Abstract
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaves are susceptible to severe attack by insect gall formers. The study’s objective was to assess
how different vertical strata of the tree canopy and variation in leaf traits affect gall formation. For this, individual and temporal
variation in leaf traits of different mango cultivars (Anwar ratole, Chaunsa, Dusehri, Fajri, Sindri and Siroli) and their ultimate
effect on gall formation were studied in 2009-10. In addition, the approximate quantity of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium and water content in the leaves was also analysed. Significant variation was found among all mango cultivars for
leaf traits and gall formation (p<0.05). Within host individuals, a maximum level of gall formation (200-240 galls, in case of
Fajri cultivar) was found on the foliage of the upper tree canopy followed by the lower and inner canopy with the consistent
pattern over 2 years. Moreover, gall formation showed significant correlation to carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio, phosphorus
and potassium level in the leaves of all the studied cultivars except Siroli.
