Comparison of the Antennal Sensilla Ultrastructure of Two Cryptic Species in Bemisia tabaci

Abstract

Bemisia tabaci is an important agricultural pest with worldwide distribution and host preference. Therefore, understanding the biology of this pest is important to devise specific pest control strategies. The antennae of herbivorous insects play an important role in the identification of hosts using plant volatiles. To understand the features of antennae in B. tabaci MEAM 1(formerly known as biotype ‘B’) and MED (formerly known as biotype ‘Q’), the morphology and distribution of the antennal sensilla were examined using scanning electron micrographs. The results showed that the average antennae length in MEAM 1 was longer than MED. No differences were observed in the number and distribution of antennal sensilla in MEAM 1 and MED antennae; each antenna had nine different types of sensilla. Both cryptic species possessed Microtrichia, Grooved surface trichodea sensilla, Chaetae sensilla, Coeloconic sensillaⅠandⅡ, Basiconic sensilla Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ and Finger-like sensilla. This is the first report of Grooved surface trichodea sensilla and Basiconic sensilla Ⅱ on B. tabaci flies. The numbers of Chaetae sensilla were different in the females and males of MEAM 1 and MED, which females having 5 and males containing 7. The surface structure of Basiconic sensilla Ⅰ was different with MEAM 1 showing a multiple-pitted linen surface and MED showing a multiple-pitted pocking surface. Basiconic sensillaⅡ were double in one socket with the longer one having a multiple-pitted surface and the shorter one with a smooth surface. Basiconic Ⅲ and Finger-like sensillae were longer in MEAM 1 antennae than in MED antennae. Our results are expected to further the studies that link morphological characteristics to insect behavior and help devise strategies to control insect pests.

The structure and morphologic changes of antennae of Cyrtorhinus lividipennis (Hemiptera: Miridae: Orthotylinae) in different instars

“…MIC described in this study was similar to those on the antennae of whiteflies [ 39 ] and Habrobracon hebetor [ 26 ], as well as on the maxillary palpi of several Diptera families [ 27 , 40 , 41 ]. The hair-like MIC is consistent with the comprehensive description of these sensilla by Zhang et al [ 42 ], which they considered to have a mechanosensory function, may also be mechanoreceptors.…”

Prospects for management of whitefly using plant semiochemicals, compared with related pests

“…This technique can help to receive antennal responses when there is a low number of sensilla, as shown in the carrot psyllid Trioza apicalis . No absolute number of antennal sensilla was presented in B. tabaci biotypes, but the study indicates a similar sparse sensillar set‐up compared with T. apicalis …”

“…30 No absolute number of antennal sensilla was presented in B. tabaci biotypes, but the study indicates a similar sparse sensillar set-up compared with T. apicalis. 13,30,31 Overall, research on whitefly olfaction would benefit from more electrophysiological studies. GC-EAG analysis of a volatile collection can greatly facilitate the search for semiochemicals.…”

“…Furthermore, whiteflies can discriminate between different qualitative conditions in host plants, for example, differences in nitrogen fertilization, leaf position, aphid colonization and virus infection . Moreover, the ultrastructure of certain antennal sensilla of B. tabaci , T. vaporariorum and Aleyrodes proletella indicates an olfactory function . Odorant‐binding and chemosensory proteins have been detected in B. tabaci using transcript analysis, and certain volatile compounds have been shown to bind to chemosensory proteins of B. tabaci .…”

“…[10][11][12] Moreover, the ultrastructure of certain antennal sensilla of B. tabaci, T. vaporariorum and Aleyrodes proletella indicates an olfactory function. [13][14][15] Odorant-binding and chemosensory proteins have been detected in B. tabaci using transcript analysis, 16 and certain volatile compounds have been shown to bind to chemosensory proteins of B. tabaci. 17 The whitefly olfactory system is so highly developed that it can even differentiate between stereoisomers of VOCs.…”