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Research Project: IPM Method for Control of Insect Pests and Transmitted Diseases of Orchard Crops

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Title: Using micro-computed tomography to reveal the anatomy of adult Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) and how it pierces and feeds within a citrus leaf

Author
item ALBA-TERCEDOR, JAVIER - UNIVERSIDAD DE GRANADA
item Hunter, Wayne
item ALBA-ALEJANDRE, IGNACIO - UNIVERSIDAD DE GRANADA

Submitted to: Nature Scientific Reports
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/6/2021
Publication Date: 1/14/2021
Citation: Alba-Tercedor, J., Hunter, W.B., Alba-Alejandre, I. 2021. Using micro-computed tomography to reveal the anatomy of adult Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) and how it pierces and feeds within a citrus leaf. Nature Scientific Reports. Scientific Reports 11, 1358. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80404-z.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80404-z

Interpretive Summary: The Asian citrus psyllid transmits the bacterium Liberibacter asiaticus during feeding on citrus, causing the most serious disease in citrus trees called Huanglongbing. This study provides a unique view and understanding of the pyllid’s external and internal anatomy using micro-computed tomography, Micro-CT. This is the first complete 3D micro-CT reconstruction of the anatomy of a hemipteran insect and includes a 3D reconstruction of the stylet path and sheath of an adult feeding on a citrus leaf. Detailed rendered images and videos expose differences in the internal anatomy (gut, muscles, exoskeleton, nerves and brain). This represents a significant advance in our knowledge of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) anatomy, and of psyllids in general. Together the images, videos and 3D model constitute a unique anatomical atlas that has transformed the field of insect morphological studies, providing unique tools for future research and education.

Technical Abstract: The Asian citrus psyllid transmits the bacterium Liberibacter asiaticus during feeding on citrus, causing the most serious disease in citrus trees called Huanglongbing. This study provides a unique view and understanding of the pyllid’s external and internal anatomy using micro-computed tomography, Micro-CT. This is the first complete 3D micro-CT reconstruction of the anatomy of a hemipteran insect and includes a 3D reconstruction of the stylet path and sheath of an adult feeding on a citrus leaf. Detailed images and videos support expand on the first descriptions of coxal and scapus antennal glands and sexual differences in the internal anatomy (hindgut rectum, mesothoracic ganglion and brain). This represents a significant advance in our knowledge of psyllid anatomy, and of psyllids in general. Together the images, videos and 3D models constitute a unique anatomical atlas that has transformed these tools for future research and education.