Application of scanning microscopy in the study of virus transmission of aphids.

The scanning electron microscope was used in conjunction with the transmission electron microscope to study stylet morphology and the role of stylets of the green peach aphid in plant virus transmission. The morphology of the stylets generally agreed with earlier descriptions of these parts obtained with the transmission electron microscopy. A considerable variation seemed to exist in the extent and regularity of ridges observed in different individuals, especially among apterous adults and nymphs. Surface contamination of stylets as well as of the bristle area of the labium could be detected. The possible role of these contaminants in plant virus transmission is discussed. Working near the limit of resolution of the scanning electron microscope, visualization of two types of plant virus particles was attempted. Dipping aphid stylets in suspensions of purified virus did not lead to subsequent detection of these particles on the stylets with the scanning electron microscope. The scanning microscope is evaluated for its possibilities in the study of plant virus transmission by insects.