Fine structure of the salivary glands of Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract

Salivary glands of Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis consist of two parts: the tubular and the ovoidal glands. The tubular glands have microvillate cells, which are rich in mitochondria, associated with sinuous plasma membrane and produce a watery secretion. The ovoid glands have cells that are rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes and produce viscous secretions of proteinaceous material. It is hypothesized that the viscous secretion contains enzymes that could be activated in appropriate ionic conditions provided by the watery secretion. This mechanism could be realized when the two products are aspirated by the cibarial pump, mixing and flowing into the mouthcone before being injected into the plant cells.