Successful gall induction by Diplolepis rosae and D. mayri on the sweet briar ( Rosa rubiginosa ) under laboratory conditions

Abstract Plant galls are unique outgrowths caused by various organisms, including insects, serving as nourishment for the inducer’s larvae. Despite the taxonomists and ecologists attempts to elucidate the mechanisms behind plant gall formation, its understanding is still incomplete. Modern genetic techniques allow in depth analysis of the molecular processes, but variations across species entangle the analysis. Establishing laboratory-friendly plant-gall inducer communities is crucial, yet past attempts have faced challenges. Our study aimed to create a sustainable laboratory community involving wild roses ( Rosa sp.) and as gall-inducing insects rose gall wasps belonging to the genus Diplolepis . Controlled indoor conditions were optimized for plant growth. Wild roses were transplanted, then exposed to gall inducers, and monitored. Successfully initialized gall growth was measures and analysed, revealing insights into the impact of plant vigour on gall size. Our study successfully established a novel laboratory community for further research on gall formation mechanisms.