Defensive patterns of chestnut genotypes (Castanea spp.) against the gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus

Plants draw from various genetically controlled defenses to protect against herbivores and pathogens. The efficacy of alternative can vary with the biology phylogeny enemy. Dryocosmus kuriphilus , an invasive gall maker native China, has become one main pests chestnut trees around world. We studied genetic variation in resistance susceptibility D. within a replicated blocked planting 12 genotypes established Galicia, Spain 2004. found very high . evaluated if was due host selection by wasp, differential inducible trees, or variability plant manipulation gallmaker. assessed counting number eggs laid females tree buds comparing preferences phytochemistry. also measured changes phytochemistry galls, physical characteristics, parasitism, insect fitness. effective defense mechanisms resistant involved (1) hypersensitive reactions neonates (2) early precise abscission nascent galls expanding leaves. Surprisingly, we tested not related phenols, terpenes, primary nutrition.