Morphological and Anatomical Studies of the Ovary Galls of Sesamum indicum l. Induced by the Gall Midge, Asphondylia sesami Felt

The organization of gall on the ovary of Sesamum indicum L induced by the gall midge, Asphondylia sesami Felt, not only affects biochemical equilibrium of the host but also causes disturbed vegetative growth and reduced seed-setting. The toxicity created by the gall maker induces the re-orientation of vasculature Cecidogenetic stimuli lead to excessive hypertrophy and hyperplasy forming the gall chambers. Each gall chamber is lined by a layer of dense mass of cells called nutritive zone. Vasculature is disturbed during gall formation. One to few larvae are present in a larval chamber. Occurrence of insect galls in the ovary of this taxon is remarkable and it is a new record in the field of cecidology.