Probing behavior of the leafhopper analyzed through DC electropenetrography and microscopy

Identification and Evaluation of Sugarcane Cultivars for Antixenosis Resistance to the Leafhopper <em>Yamatotettix flavovittatus</em> Matsumura (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

“…Yamatotettix flavovittatus Matsumura (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is a phloem feeder that causes significant damage to sugarcane and transmits sugarcane white leaf (SCWL) disease [1,2]. The extensive damage caused by leafhoppers in Thailand was initially observed in the Khon Kaen and Udonthanee provinces [3]. This leafhopper species consumes phloem sap on sugarcane through its stylets, making it a specialized herbivore.…”

“…Host plant resistance emerges as a promising strategy for mitigating SCWL disease; however, identifying SCWL-resistant sugarcane varieties remains elusive. Advancements in developing resistant sugarcane varieties and exploring other potential management techniques are contingent upon a deeper understanding of Y. flavovittatus feeding behaviors [3].…”

“…The leafhopper Y. flavovittatus feeds on plant tissue by inserting its stylet bundle, along with a salivary sheath, into the plant, targeting the phloem tissue and regulating the ingestion of pressurized plant sap [3]. To investigate the feeding behaviors of this leafhopper, which serves as a vector for SCWL, researchers have employed the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique [18,19,3]. Through EPG, the positioning of Y. flavovittatus stylets during probing can be determined, facilitating the correlation of feeding patterns with interactions within the plant tissue.…”

“…Through EPG, the positioning of Y. flavovittatus stylets during probing can be determined, facilitating the correlation of feeding patterns with interactions within the plant tissue. The feeding process of the insect is characterized by specific waveforms [3], including non-probing (NP), stylet probing into epidermal cells (Yf1), stylet probing through mesophyll/parenchyma (Yf2), stylet contact with phloem and likely watery salivation (Yf3), active ingestion of sap from the phloem, probably sieve elements (Yf4) and unknown stylet activity in multiple cell types (Yf5). Y. flavovittatus exhibits a preference for ingesting phloem sap over other cell types, indicating its primary role as a phloem feeder [3].…”

“…The feeding process of the insect is characterized by specific waveforms [3], including non-probing (NP), stylet probing into epidermal cells (Yf1), stylet probing through mesophyll/parenchyma (Yf2), stylet contact with phloem and likely watery salivation (Yf3), active ingestion of sap from the phloem, probably sieve elements (Yf4) and unknown stylet activity in multiple cell types (Yf5). Y. flavovittatus exhibits a preference for ingesting phloem sap over other cell types, indicating its primary role as a phloem feeder [3]. The hypothesis posits that the duration of the sieve element phase is longer in susceptible sugarcane cultivars and shorter in resistant ones.…”