Micro-CT study of male genitalia and reproductive system of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, 1908 (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae)

Authors: ALBA-ALEJANDRE, IGNACIO - Universidad De Granada; Hunter, Wayne; ALBA-TERCEDOR, JAVIER - Universidad De Granada

Submitted to: PLOS ONE
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/30/2018
Publication Date: 8/16/2018
Citation: Alba-Alejandre, I., Hunter, W.B., Alba-Tercedor, J. 2018. Micro-CT study of male genitalia and reproductive system of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, 1908 (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae). PLoS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/PlosOne.0202234.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/PlosOne.0202234

Interpretive Summary: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is the vector which transmits the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus which kills citrus fruit crops. The disease is called Huanglongbing, HLB, or called citrus greening disease which is considered the most serious bacterial disease of citrus trees. Millions of dollars have been lost due to HLB around the world. The Citrus Greening Solutions Project (USDA-National Institute Food & Agriculture NIFA Award 2014-70016-23028) has adopted a systems biology approach using a genomics-biology-interaction platform to examine the interactions between psyllid, bacteria, and citrus trees. Presented are results from a detailed micro-computer tomography (micro-CT) study of the male psyllid’s sexual reproductive organs, showing anatomy of the testicles, accessory glands, and sperm pump structures displayed in 3-D images and video. Many of the structures have never been displayed before in psyllids providing new information on psyllid reproduction. Micro-CT technology permits examination of organs while in their natural position inside the insect. A 3-D digital image library of psyllid anatomy, at https://citrusgreening.org/microtomography/index enables the observer a new experience in insect anatomy.

Technical Abstract: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is the vector which transmits the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus to citrus fruit crops, which causes Huanglongbing disease (HLB), also called citrus greening disease. HLB is considered the most serious bacterial disease of citrus trees. Millions of dollars have been lost due to HLB around the world. The Citrus Greening Solutions Project (USDA-Natiional Institute Food & Agriculture NIFA Award 2014-70016-23028) has adopted a systems biology approach using a genomics-biology-interaction platform to examine the interactions between psyllid, bacteria, and citrus trees. Presented are results from a detailed micro-computer tomography (micro-CT) study of the male psyllid’s sexual reproductive organs, elucidating anatomy of the testicles, accessory glands, and sperm pump structures. Internal structures of the male genitalia are displayed in 3-D images. Many of the structures have never been displayed before in psyllids providing new information. Micro-CT scanning technology permits examination organs while in their natural position inside the insects, examples at: https://citrusgreening.org/microtomography/index, enables the observer a new experience in insect anatomy. Thus micro-CT enables the observer a new interactive platform to investigate insect anatomy.