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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 #120226
Title: THE MECHANICS OF STYLET PENETRATION BY BEMISIA ARGENTIFOLII

Author
item FREEMAN, THOMAS - NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV
item Buckner, James
item Nelson, Dennis
item Chu, Chang Chi
item Henneberry, Thomas

Submitted to: Silverleaf Whitefly Research, Action and Technology Transfer Plan
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Most adult silverleaf whitefly probe sites occurred along the margins of the abaxial epidermal cells. Even though the penetration sites were in the area of the cell margins, we found that the stylets passed directly through the cytoplasm of the epidermal cell and not through the common radial wall between epidermal cells. Adult stylets averaged 217 um long. During non-feeding periods the stylet is completely enclosed within the labium, which consists of four distinct segments. The stylet bundle enters between the first and second labial segment and extends to the tip of the labium. After the tip of the labium is anchored to the epidermal surface the adult whitefly lowers its head pushing the stylet bundle down the labial groove into the host plant. The entire length of the stylet can be inserted into the leaf in this manner. The depth of penetration can be determined by examining the position of the labrum along the labial groove.