Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Distribution of metabolites and phytochemicals in galled and non-galled foliar tissues of Microcos paniculata L.
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Research Articles | Published: 18 June, 2025
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Keywords: n Microcos paniculatan , Galls, Secondary metabolites, GC–MS
Abstract
Microcos paniculata L., a deciduous shrub of the Malvaceae family, undergoes significant structural and metabolic modifications upon infestation by eriophyid mites (Eriophyes sp.), leading to gall formation. These insect-induced galls can influence plant metabolism by altering phytochemical composition. However, the phytochemical variations associated with gall formation in M. paniculata remain inadequately explored. Understanding these changes is essential for elucidating plant-insect interactions and adaptive responses. This study aimed to analyze secondary metabolites and phytochemicals in normal leaves and galled tissues of M. paniculata using GC-MS and quantitative estimations. Methanolic extracts of non-infested leaves (NL), remaining portions of galled leaves (RL), and galled tissues (G) were assessed for total tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids. GC-MS analysis identified diverse phytochemicals across different tissues. Results revealed that galled tissues exhibited significantly higher levels of tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids compared to NL and RL. Based on GC-MS analysis, RL extracts contained the highest number of phytochemicals (59), followed by NL (52) and G tissues (46). Among the total compounds identified across NL, RL, and G tissues, 22 key phytochemicals were selected, including the most abundant compounds in each sample and those common among the three comparison groups. Gall induction increased the accumulation of palmitic, myristic, and linoleic acids, along with elevated levels of steroids and terpenoids, while reducing phytol concentration. Among the selected compounds, Stigmasta-7,24(28)-dien-3-ol, Beta-Sitosterol acetate, and Methyl dotriacontanoate were dominant in NL. RL tissues were characterized by high levels of 1(7),8(10)-p-Menthadien-9-ol, Gamma-Sitosterol, and Tricyclo[3.3.1.1(3,7)]decan-1-ol. Stigma-5-en-3-ol was found to be the dominant compound in G tissues. The metabolic alterations observed in gall tissues support the hypothesis that gall formation induces specialized metabolic pathways. These findings provide deeper insights into the biochemical adaptations associated with mite-induced stress in M. paniculata, furthering our understanding of plant-insect interactions and the ecological significance of gall formation.
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Author Information
Plant Pathology, Tissue Culture and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India