2007

NS3976 : Sycamore leaf with galls and tar spot fungus

taken 18 years ago, near to Renton, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland

Sycamore leaf with galls and tar spot fungus
Sycamore leaf with galls and tar spot fungus
These galls, turning red at the tips, are created by the mite Aceria macrorhyncha (syn. Aceria macrorhynchus and Artacris macrorhynchus): NS3977 : Leaf galls on Sycamore.

The females overwinter in crevices in the bark, emerging in spring to feed on the new leaves. Where they feed, galls develop (each mite can be responsible for many galls). In contrast to the conspicuous structures seen here on the upper surface of the leaf, the corresponding locations on the underside of the leaf are just tiny holes, fringed with hairs; the mites use these holes to gain access to the galls, and lay their eggs in them in May. The developing larvae feed on the tissues that line the galls. This process does not appear to be harmful to the tree.

The black patches are unrelated to the galls; they are caused by Tar Spot fungus, Rhytisma acerinum. Though it can appear unsightly, it also does no real harm to the tree in moderation; it only reduces the amount of leaf surface available for photosynthesis.

Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]   © Copyright Lairich Rig and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Geographical Context: Woodland, Forest Image Buckets ?: Closeup Life Category: Galls other tags: Plant Gall Click a tag, to view other nearby images.
This photo is linked from: Automatic Clusters: · Galls are Caused [18] · Leaf Galls [12] · Spot [11] Other Photos: · Leaf galls on Sycamore ·
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NS3976, 200 images   (more nearby 🔍)
Photographer
Lairich Rig   (more nearby)
Date Taken
Wednesday, 5 September, 2007   (more nearby)
Submitted
Tuesday, 12 August, 2008
Subject Location
OSGB36: geotagged! NS 390 765 [100m precision]
WGS84: 55:57.3067N 4:34.7602W
Camera Location
OSGB36: geotagged! NS 391 765
View Direction
WEST (about 270 degrees)
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Image classification(about): Supplemental image
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