The formation of galls--abnormal growths or swelling in a plant--may be induced by infection of the plant by bacteria or fungi, or attack from certain mites, nematodes, or insects. This book provides comprehensive coverage of the biology of galls and their complex ecological etiology. The expert contributors address topics such as the effect of insect secretions on plant growth, the evolution and physiology of gall-inducing insects, patterns in gall development and induction, the role of nutritive cells, and many other key issues. This valuable work in cecidology will interest all biologists and botanists concerned with plant health, and entomologists working in the field of plant-insect relationships.

Joseph D. Shorthouse's profile page

Odette Rohfritsch's profile page

Joseph D. Shorthouse is at Laurentian University,. Odette Rohfritsch is at Universite Louis Pasteur,.

"A volume of special interest because many eminent biologists have contributed chapters to it, summarizing the recent advances in cecidology. Shorthouse and Rohfritsch have made a sincere effort to bring together the scientific philosophies of the French and American cecidological schools. The structuring of the book . . . brings together both of these approaches so effectively that any beginner is sure to get a balanced expose of the divergent perspectives of gall research." --Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Canada

"The intentions of the editors to take an overview of cecidology and illustrate the multidisciplinary nature of gall studies were realized in this informative and comprehensive book . . . . the book, representing the recent state of research, can be recommended not only to all specialists in the field but to all interested in insect-plant relationships." --Claus Zebitz, Journal of Plant Physiology