The regulatory mechanism of the male accessory reproductive gland (ARG) of Serinetha augur (Fabr) (Heteroptera: Coreidae)—A cotton pest

Abstract

The present study deals with the interrelationship of the neuroendocrine complex (NEC) and male accessory reproductive gland (ARG) of a cotton bug, Serinetha augur . The NEC consists of brain (cerebral ganglia), corpus cardiacam (CC) and corpus allatum (CA). Based on the staining reaction of aldehyde fuchsin (AF) and chrom alum haematoxylin-phloxin (CAHP), four types of neurosecretory cells have been identified in the brain. The neuroendocrine control over the ARG in S. augury was investigated through ARG extirpation (andgonadectomy)-induced hypertrophy of CA. The changing pattern of proteins in the brain during the pre- and post-mating periods (as judged by electrophoretic investigations) further supports the interrelationship of the NEC and ARG.