Anatomy, Histochemistry And Phenolic Compounds Content Of Leaves From Omphalea Oleifera Hemsl. (Euphorbiaceae) In Response To Damage By Urania Fulgens Walker

Leaves of Omphalea oleifera Hemsl. damaged by Urania fulgens Walker were examined. Leaves were anatomically described, histochemical tests were performed and the content of lignin and phenolic acids estimated. Morpho-anatomical features were similar in damaged leaves and the control, but minor histochemical differences were observed. The tissues adjacent to the damage showed lignin deposits and calcium oxalate crystals. The estimated amounts of lignin and cafeic, ferulic and chlorogenic acids were respectively 11% and 109.65, 16.58 and 0.082 mu g.g(-1) dry wt in the damaged leaves, whereas for the intact were 7%, 97.65, 5.48 and 0.051 mu g.g(-1) dry wt. The results suggest that the insect damage triggers induced responses in O. oleifera including production and accumulation of phenolic compounds and calcium oxalate crystals on the leaf tissues.