Work

Fungal endophyte communities in galled oak leaves: Stability in leaves, divergence in galls

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Gall-inducing Cynipid wasps create unique structures on oak leaves, yet their influence on fungal endophyte communities remains unclear. Using eDNA metabarcoding, we characterized fungal communities in ungalled Quercus douglasii leaves, leaves with galls, and the galls themselves. Fungal communities in galled and ungalled leaves were similar, suggesting gall formation does not substantially alter foliar endophytes. However, fungal communities within galls were distinct and species-specific. Urchin galls ( Cynips quercusechinus ) exhibited reduced fungal diversity and a dominant association with Cephaloascus fragrans , while saucer galls ( Feron gigas ) maintained greater overlap with leaf communities. These findings suggest that Cynipid galls specific to each wasp species can yield distinct fungal communities. As fungi influence plant health and insect interactions, understanding gall-associated fungal communities provides insight into microbial dynamics in oak ecosystems.

Source: Fungal ecology

DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2025.101480

Authors: Christopher P. Bivins, A. Carolin Frank

Institution: University of California, Merced

Language: English

Topic: Plant and fungal interactions

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funder: University of California