ARS | Publication request: MECHANISM AND SITE OF SILVERLEAF WHITEFLY STYLET PENETRATION

Submitted to: National Research and Action Plan for Silver Leaf Whitefly
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 21, 1999
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The mechanism involved in adult silverleaf whitefly stylet penetration into cotton and hibiscus leaves was determined using light and electron microscopic techniques. The adult silverleaf whitefly can extend, essentially the entire length of its stylet into a leaf. The depth of penetration can range from 100 um to over 300 um. The portion of the stylet within the leaf can be determined by examining the position of the head in relationship to the labium. Utilizing the tilt and rotation capabilities of the scanning electron microscope stage, and by examination of sectioned leaves at both the light and transmission electron microscope level we have determined that the greatest number of penetration sites are directly through epidermal cells rather than through the common wall between epidermal cells or through stomatal pores. Most stylet penetrations that appear to be through the common wall between cells at the light microscope level actually enter directly into the epidermal cell and not through the common anticlinal wall.