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Ambrosia galls - neglected model of fungus farming evolution
Zelinková, Barbora ; Kolařík, Miroslav (advisor) ; Janšta, Petr (referee)
Ambrosia galls are a unique type of insect gall created by Cecidomyiidae gall midges. Their association with a fungal symbiont, which forms a layer of ambrosia mycelium inside the gall is unique and reminiscent of fungal farming in other insect groups. To date, not much research has been done on the individual components of ambrosia galls: the galling insect, the symbiotic fungus, and the host plant. This paper provides an insight into fungal farming insects, a description of the ambrosia gall midges and their fungal symbiont, an overview of the mechanisms of each component on gall initiation and the relationships between them, and finally, explores the possible influence of fungal secondary metabolites. The bachelor thesis puts into context long-known and newly acquired information on the mutual interactions and shows that the previously accepted functions are not precise and that each component of the ambrosia gall is partially involved in its formation. Key words: ambrosia gall midges, nutritive mycelium, fungus farming, host specialization, species diversity, phyto-mycophagy, trophic interactions, Cecidomyiidae, Botryosphaeria dothidea, secondary metabolites
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