Changes in anatomical characteristics of Falcataria moluccana wood due to Uromycladium tepperianum infection

Abstract

Serious problems have occurred on Falcataria moluccana plantations because of gall rust disease caused by Uromycladium tepperianum. The disease inhibits tree growth, reduces wood quality, and can cause tree mortality. The presence of galls is a notable symptom of this disease. The study aimed to investigate the anatomy of the galls and the changes in wood anatomical characteristics of F. moluccana due to the infection of U. tepperianum. Wood blocks containing outer bark, cambium and xylem with different levels of severity of gall rust attack were removed from the main stem of F. moluccana trees. Microscopic observations were conducted to observe the anatomical characteristics of the galls, affected wood and healthy wood. The results showed that the anatomy of galls was different from that of affected wood or healthy wood. The percentage of vessel area, diameter of vessel, percentage of ray parenchyma and the length of wood fibres were significantly different between normal wood and affected wood. The results could be useful in understanding gall formation and assessing its impact on wood quality.