Developmental changes of sugar contents in the gall on the leaf of elm ( Zelkowa serrata Makino ) formed by Paracolopha morrisoni Baker ( Homopetra )

To understand cell wall polysaccharide synthesis and the role of gall in interaction with aphids, the changes of sugar contents in the galls during their growth and development were determined from May 2 to June 8, 1996. The sugar content in the symplastic (MeOH and hot water) fractions decreased as the developmental stages progressed. In the cell wall fraction, the amount of pectic substances (2-3 ㎎ per gram fresh weight) did not change. The hemicellulosic substance increased by 40% from May 14 to May 31. Among the neutral sugar components of hemicellulosic polysaccharides, xylose and arabinose contents increased during development of the gall, suggesting that xylans with arabinose residues were massively synthesized. On the other hand, glucose content decreased during development of the gall. The cellulose substance consistently increased 5 folds from May 2 to 31. The relationship between the aphid and the changes in sugar contents of cell walls during the development of aphid and the gall formation was discussed.