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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #304191
Title: Time course study of feeding damage to pin head cotton squares by Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Author
item CERVANTES, FELIX - University Of California
item Backus, Elaine

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2014
Publication Date: 6/22/2014
Citation: Cervantes, F., Backus, E.A. 2014. Time course study of feeding damage to pin head cotton squares by Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae). In: Proceedings of the Hemipteran-Plant Interactions Symposium. p.39.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) is an economically important pest affecting cotton crops in California. Lygus feeding causes abscission of cotton squares, with damage severity dependent on size of the square and life stage of the insect. Fifth instar nymphs are the most damaging stage; however, damage caused by pre-reproductive adults also can be significant. A time course study was conducted to evaluate damage to pinhead (<3mm) cotton squares after individual pre-reproductive adult lygus were caged on a square for 24 h. Histological samples of fed-upon squares were taken at 0, 4, 12 and 24 h after the 24 h access period. Cotton squares were examined with light microscopy; anatomical changes were imaged. Putative damage produced by adult lygus feeding was identified as emptied, disorganized, or necrotized areas within squares.