Histological study of anomalous growth in the stem of Momordica charantia infested with Lasioptera bryoniae Schiner

Abstract

Gall formation due to attack of the larvae of Lasioptera bryoniae Schiner is common on the stem of Momordica charantia. Histological changes have been studied. Isolated patches of secondary meristematic centres develop throughout the proliferated tissue and they often differentiate into vascular tissues (either xylem or phloem or both). The larvae bore through the stem and live in lysigenous cavities in the ground tissue. Proliferation of cells of the secondary meristematic centres results in gall formation and the normal vascular pattern is disturbed and vascular bundles crushed. Development of mechanical tissues in the affected region is suppressed.