TheAspiringBiologist
Parasitic Infections
This photo was taken in the parking lot of my local Target store. The poor birch tree in the photo has been compromised by a form of "gall". Gall is caused by various parasites (insects, bacteria, mites, fungi, etc.). These parasites usually lay eggs onto plants and the larvae feed on the plant cells. A large structure forms from the disruption of cellular division caused by the parasite and it creates a protective barrier for the parasite and its larvae. These large structures are usually concentrated with starches and nutrients that the parasites can feed on. These parasites can have both endo- and ectoparasitic tendencies which is displayed in their choice to lay eggs on the outside of the plant or feed and live inside the gall formation.
Parasitic Infections
This photo was taken in the parking lot of my local Target store. The poor birch tree in the photo has been compromised by a form of "gall". Gall is caused by various parasites (insects, bacteria, mites, fungi, etc.). These parasites usually lay eggs onto plants and the larvae feed on the plant cells. A large structure forms from the disruption of cellular division caused by the parasite and it creates a protective barrier for the parasite and its larvae. These large structures are usually concentrated with starches and nutrients that the parasites can feed on. These parasites can have both endo- and ectoparasitic tendencies which is displayed in their choice to lay eggs on the outside of the plant or feed and live inside the gall formation.