Gall wasps change the biochemical composition of Eucalyptus leaves

Determining the effects of gall wasps on leaf biochemistry may contribute to the understanding of damage mechanisms. The study was carried out in eucalyptus plantations in the coastal regions of the Northeastern Mediterranean (Tarsus/Mersin/Turkey). Biochemical analyses were performed on Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves infested and uninfested with two different gall wasps (Leptocybe invasa and Ophelimus maskelli) and the data were compared. The flavonoid content of the leaves reduced 16.5% in leaves infested with L. invasa and 33.7% with O. maskelli. Total antioxidant capacity decreased with O. maskelli infestation but did not change with L. invasa infestation. Copper ion reduction capacity increased significantly with both pest infestations. Ascorbic acid increased by 87% in L. invasa infestation and 120% in O. maskelli infestation compared to control. Superoxide generation rates of noninfested and infested leaves from the infested trees were found to be higher than those of the control samples. Differences in the biochemical composition of infested and non-infested leaves of infested plants were determined. The invasion of gall wasps triggers oxidative stress by increasing the rate of superoxide production in eucalyptus leaves.