The effect of Western X-disease on the oxygen consumption of its leafhopper vector, Colladonus montanus

Abstract

Since the agent causing Western X-disease (WX) in plants is also pathogenic to its leafhopper vector, Colladonus montanus, the effect of this agent on the oxygen consumption of C. montanus was investigated. Infected leafhoppers that were reared on diseased celery plants had lower than normal oxygen consumption. Similarly, leafhoppers injected with WX extract from infected insects had lower than normal oxygen consumption. During the first 2–3 weeks after injection, the oxygen consumption of infected leafhoppers was the same as that of noninfected controls. Thereafter, however, oxygen consumption gradually declined in those carrying WX agent until it was lower by 19% 6 weeks after injection with WX extract.