Morphological changes in Atlas pistachio leaves Pistacia atlantica Desf., caused by the galling aphid Forda riccobonii (Stephani 1899) in western Algeria.

The tree Atlas pistachio represents an ecosystem of ecological, biogeographical and economic importance, with medical, pharmaceutical and economic value. Many insects find shelter in these trees and infect the leaves in an unknown way. In the present study, a comparative analysis was undertaken to conduct a microscopic anatomy study of Pistacia atlantica gall and ungalled leaflets. The gall was induced by aphid Forda riccobonii (Stephani 1899). The histological study was performed on healthy and galled leaflets, using semi-fine cut. The results show the modification of the leaflet with hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the parenchyma cells and vascular bundles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]