Objective Illustrating the aphid gall number and distribution of Schlechtendalia chinensis under two inoculation methods (natural migration and artificial aphid bags) and their effects on the foliage growth of host Rhus chinensis.

Method The sample sites and host plants were selected by random group setting in the fields which inoculated by natural migration and hanging aphid bags. The growth indexes and traits of the galls and their host trees were measured or counted. The host plant growths effected by aphid galls were analyzed using variance analysis.

Result No significant difference was observed in the gall numbers per tree of the two inoculation methods. However, the average of total gall volume per compound leaf on the trees inoculated by aphid bags was 170.92±14.85 cm³ which was almost twice the average gall volume (85.82±9.40 cm³) on the trees inoculated by natural migration, and the total area of leaflets per compound leaf on the trees inoculated by artificial pouch was 616.26±32.73 cm² which was greater than the total area of leaflets (482.81±28.51 cm²) on the trees inoculated by natural migration. It was indicated that the total gall volume increased by inoculation of aphid bags, thereby increasing the yield. Moreover, greater galls may cause extra growths of the leaflets and increase the leaflet areas.

Conclusion The aphid galls of S. chinensis promote foliage growth to its host plant R. chinensis. And this growth is positively correlated with the gall sizes. Compared to natural migration, the aphid bag inoculation may increase the gall yield and improve the potential ability of gall formation.