Mechanisms of hydraulic conductivity in the leaf galls of Meunieriella sp. (Cecidomyiidae) in Avicennia schaueriana (Acanthaceae): does vascularization explain the preferred sites of induction?

Intralaminar galls of Meunieriella result from ground tissue proliferation in leaves of Avicennia schaueriana, a typical halophytic mangrove. We tested if the preferred sites of gall induction were the midribs and secondary veins (SV) at the basal leaf portion, where the galls were expected to be largest; and if the vascular system in galls and adjacent regions was altered to favour water supply in galls, thus increasing their growth. Gall induction sites and gall sizes were quantified according to leaf portions and regions. Anatomical and histometric analyses in vascular and ground tissues of galls and adjacent regions were compared to equivalent regions of non-galled leaves. The galls were largest at basal sites on leaves, the midrib and SV. More galls occurred on the apical portion of the leaf, and on the leaf blade and secondary vein regions. Changes in shape and vascular system area, number and diameter of vessel elements were detected in both galls and adjacent regions. Fewer and smaller-sized vessel elements were observed in regions proximal to the galls and inside them. Gall size is not related with preferred induction sites, which could be explained by factors such as thermal balance. Alterations in the vascular system indicate reduced hydraulic conductivity in the xylem in the proximal region and inside galls, leading to water leakage to gall parenchyma cells. This compensatory mechanism explains the expansion and proliferation of water storage and spongy parenchyma cells in the galls, explaining the higher growth in more vascularized regions.

Androecia in two Clusia species: development, structure and resin secretion.

Clusia fluminensis and C. lanceolata are dioecious shrubs having resiniferous flowers with strongly distinct androecia. The aim of this study was to investigate the development and anatomy of their androecia and the ultrastructure, histochemistry and secretory process of their androecium resin glands, examining whether the cellular aspects of resin secretion differed between these two morphologically distinct androecia. Stamens differ, being free in C. fluminensis and clustered in a synandrium in C. lanceolata. Staminode sterility is due to the undifferentiated nature of the anthers in C. lanceolata and degeneration of meiocytes and anther indehiscence in C. fluminensis. Resin is produced in subepidermal cavities and canals with wide lumens. In the secretory stage, epithelial cells present sinuous walls, voluminous nuclei, polymorphic plastids associated with periplastidial reticulum, mitochondria, oil bodies, multivesicular bodies, endoplasmic reticulum and dictyosomes. The resin is released through rupture points on the distal surface of stamens and staminodes, associated with disrupted cavities and canals. Our results show morphological diversity associated with functional similarity. Also, a secretion pattern shared by the two species includes initiation of the secretory process in young floral buds, compartmentalisation of the secretion in pre-anthesis buds and release of secretions at anthesis. Cellular aspects of resin secretion in these species are quite similar, as are the chemical identities of the main components of the floral resins of the genus.