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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fargo, North Dakota » Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center » Insect Genetics and Biochemistry Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #130718
Title: COMPARISON OF THE FEEDING PROCESS OF NYMPH AND ADULT WHITEFLIES

Author
item Nelson, Dennis
item Buckner, James
item FREEMAN, THOMAS - NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Silverleaf Whitefly Research, Action and Technology Transfer Plan
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/20/2002
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy showed the feeding processes of whiteflies, Bemisia argentifolii. Adult feeding apparatus consisted of 4-segmented labium which contained the stylet bundle (1.5-2 micrometers diameter), consisting of 2 mandibles and 2 maxillary stylets. Stylet bundle is completely contained within the labial groove when not feeding. To penetrate the leaf, adult places tip of labium against leaf and then lowers its head to slide stylet bundle down labial groove and push tip of stylet bundle into leaf. Length of stylet bundle, averaging 217 micrometers, is sufficient to allow adult to reach phloem tissue from any position on either abaxial or adaxial surfaces. Length of stylet bundle is measured from the junction of labial segments 1 & 2 to tip of labium of non-feeding adults. Length that stylet bundle has penetrated leaf is measured from junction of labial segments 1 & 2 to position of head (where stylet bundle enters labial groove). This distance varied from 43 to 151 micrometers indicating adult uses less than 70% of length of stylet to reach phloem in cotton. Distance from cotton abaxial epidermal surface to phloem ranged from 53 to 127 micrometers. Stylet bundle of nymphs appears to be looped within the body. End of bundle enters groove in rostrum and extends beyond rostrum tip. To penetrate leaf nymph extends stylet bundle beyond tip of rostrum. Length of stylet bundle ranged from 110 micrometers in crawler to 200 micrometers in 4th instar. From crawler to 4th instar length of bundle increased 39% and length of nymph 168%. Length of stylet bundle sufficient to reach phloem from any position on leaf surface.