Anatomical study of the female reproductive system and bacteriome of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) using micro-computed tomography

Authors: ALBA-ALEJANDRA, IGNACIAS - Universidad De Granada; ALBA-TERCEDOR, JAVIER - Universidad De Granada; Hunter, Wayne

Submitted to: Nature Scientific Reports
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/3/2020
Publication Date: 4/28/2020
Citation: Alba-Alejandre, I., Alba-Tercedor, J. & Hunter, W.B. Anatomical study of the female reproductive system and bacteriome of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) using micro-computed tomography. Sci Rep 10, 7161 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64132-y
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64132-y

Interpretive Summary: Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most serious bacterial diseases of citrus. In the United States, it is caused by the bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, and is transmitted by the Asian Citrus Psyllid, ACP. We made a detailed study, using micro-computed tomography, micro-CT, of the female abdomin, reproductive system and bacteriome, presented as 3 dimensional images. New discoveries in insect morphology are described, particularly concerning the spermatheca, ovipositor and bacteriome. The high-quality images are clearer, than any previously published works. This study: expands the knowledge of the female reproductive system and bacteriome in psyllids; and represents the first detailed study of ACP adult females using micro-CT. Discoveries extensively revises existing information relevant to psyllid anatomy, and other hemipteran insects. High quality images and supplementary videos provide useful tools for future research and as educational aids. USDA-NIFA Award 2014-70016-23028, ‘Developing an Infrastructure and Product Test Pipeline to Deliver Novel Therapies for Citrus Greening Disease’ (2015–2020).

Technical Abstract: Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most serious bacterial diseases of citrus. In the United States, it is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus being transmitted by the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae). We made a detailed study, using micro-computed tomography, micro-CT, of the female abdominal terminalia, reproductive system (ovaries, accessory glands, spermatheca, colleterial (= cement) gland, connecting ducts, and ovipositor) and bacteriome, which are visually presented. New morphology terms and structures are introduced and described, particularly concerning the spermatheca, ovipositor and bacteriome. The quality of images and bacteriome reconstructions are clearer, than previously published works. This study: reviews knowledge of the female reproductive system and bacteriome organ in D. citri; Represents the first detailed morphological study of D. citri using micro-CT; and extensively revises existing morphological information relevant to psylloids, hemipterans and insects in general. High quality images and supplementary videos represent a significant advance in knowledge of psylloid anatomy and are useful tools for future research and as educational aids. USDA-NIFA Award 2014-70016-23028, ‘Developing an Infrastructure and Product Test Pipeline to Deliver Novel Therapies for Citrus Greening Disease’ (2015–2020).