Histological examination of gall development induced by chestnut gall wasp in chestnut buds

The chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus) is an important insect pest affecting chestnut trees worldwide. The pest prevents shoot development and flowering and reduces fruit production with galls formed on chestnut shoots. It is important to know in detail the gal development induced by the pest in the studies to be carried out to fight against this pest and to elucidate its resistance mechanism. Therefore, in this thesis study, detailed examinations were made under stereo microscope in the bud and gal samples taken at periodic intervals for one year (the period when the gall formation is completed by the chestnut gall bee laying eggs on the buds) from 'Alimolla' and the hybrid cultivar 'Marigoule' with intense gall formation. Thus, initiation, development-differentiation stages of gall tissue formation in the bud and differentiation and maturation stages when galls were visible in new shoots were determined. Investigations were made on galls, which were first seen on buds and then on newly emerging shoots. No difference has been between cultivars in terms of gal developmental stages. It has been determined that the formation of gall tissue resulting from the pest-plant interaction begins in the larval stage in the buds and quickly develops and completes its maturation when visible on the shoots.