Galls on deciduous trees?

Galls are ball-shaped growths that form on the leaves of trees. The cause of gall formation may be the activity of insect pests: gall mites, gall nematodes. Galls cause significant damage to plants. In the article we will consider why galls appear; how they are formed, how to notice the first signs of galls on the leaves of the plant in time?

Why are galls formed?

 Galls are formed on the leaves of linden, maple, plum and other fruit trees, as a result of the activity of the linden mite, on the leaves are formed outgrowths in the form of “horns”.

Galls on coniferous plants have the form of lump-like growths on shoots of fir, spruce and larch, these growths have purple and green colouring, the reason for their appearance is the activity of gall aphids and Hermes. For the insect pest, the galls fulfill a protective function. The pest receives reliable protection from rain wind, natural enemies, and even from surface treatment of the plant with special defence products.

Leaf midges are insects from the family of bees and wasps. The larvae of these insects also cause the formation of characteristic growths and overgrowths, “swellings” on the leaves of various tree species.

Gall nematodes are small worms that get into the roots of plants from the soil, on the affected root system there is pathological overgrowth, bubbles are formed. Nematodes multiply very quickly and accumulate in the soil, if you do not take preventive measures in time to protect the plant, it can die.

 It is possible to distinguish such common signs of the appearance of galls on foxwood trees:

Slow growth of leaves;

Withering of leaves;

Characteristic pathological overgrowth, bloating may occur on the roots, the plant is desperately trying to form additional lateral roots, instead of rotten and affected by the nematode.

How do galls form?

  The process of gall formation can be compared to the spread of inflammation in the human body.

Galls can form in a damaged area of a leaf as a result of an insect bite. By biting, the insect feeds on the leaves of the plant, destroying the leaf structure from the inside out.  For example, on apple leaves, galls form on the entire leaf surface, especially on the underside.

Gauls on an oak leaf

More often, the problem of gall formation is caused by intensive use of the plot without crop rotation. The best prevention of nematosis is to maintain a healthy soil microbiota.

If you notice the first signs of galls, the best solution is to consult the specialists of the Green Clinic Centre for Ecosystem Phytopathology at +380632851405.