THE IN-VITRO CULTURE OF ROSE-GALL TISSUE INDUCED BY THE CYNIPID WASP DIPLOLEPIS-SPINOSA (ASHMEAD)

Galls induced on Rosa rugosa Thumb. by the cynipid wasp Diplolepis spi nosa (Ashmead) were surface sterilized and cut open. The layer of plan t tissue that lines the gall chamber was excised and was an excellent source of tissue for initiating in vitro callus cultures. The interior of the gall chamber proved to be sterile and there is evidence that a nti-microbial compounds may be produced by young gall tissue.