Abstract
The morphology and distribution of the antennal sensilla of Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall and Thrips palmi Karny were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These are serious pests of various economically important crops, and their antennae are important in chemical communication. The antennae of both species consist of a scape, pedicel, and flagellum, but the flagellum of M. usitatus is made up of six sub-segments, whereas that of T. palmi consists of five sub-segments. Seven morphological sensilla types, including Böhm bristle (BB), sensilla campaniformia (Sca), three types of sensilla basiconica (Sb1, Sb2 and Sb3), two types of sensilla chaetica (Sch1 and Sch2), sensilla styloconica (Sst), sensilla trichodea (St), and sensilla cavity (Scav), were recorded in both species. The scape and pedicels exhibited Sch1, BB and Sca. The flagellum exhibited two types of Sch, three types of Sb, St, Sst and Scav. Based on these results, the putative function of the sensilla of M. usitatus and T. palmi are also discussed.
Highlights
A few species belonging to the family Thripidae are economically important pests of various crops
We managed to offer the first complete ultrastructural survey of antennal sensilla in M. usitatus and T. palmi, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and we offer a basis for further investigations, e.g., electrophysiological studies
The living specimens were decapitated under a continuous variable times stereomicroscope (Stemi 508, Zeiss, Germany), and the heads were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde for 6 h at 4 ◦ C
Summary
A few species belonging to the family Thripidae are economically important pests of various crops. T. palmi is known for transmitting three tospoviruses, namely the watermelon silver mottle virus (WMSMoV), groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV), and melon spotted wilt virus [2]. These two species of thrips can pierce plant tissues and actively suck up their contents during the feeding process [3]. While direct damage, such as necrosis and the premature dropping of buds and flowers, due to thrips feeding and ovipositing, can occur, it is the transmission of viruses that frequently causes the most severe damage to crops [3]. The method by which Thysanoptera species feed allows the thrips to respond to chemical cues, such as plant volatiles and pheromones, during host location, feeding, oviposition, and mating [4]
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