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X-ray detection of Contarinia sorghicola (Coq.) larvae and pupae in sorghum spikelets

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

K. M. Harris
K. M. Harris
Affiliation:
Orchard Cottage, Wisley, Surrey, England
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Extract

A simple X-ray method for detecting sorghum midge (Contarinia sorghicola (Coq.)) larvae and pupae in infested spikelets of grain sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) is described and illustrated. Undamaged ovaries were easily and accurately detected in the radiographs, but the detection of spikelets that had been attacked by midge was less accurate. Diapause larvae showed up clearly in the radiographs but pupae often produced indistinct images, possibly because they were dead. X-ray examination therefore tended to underestimate midge infestation. It is concluded that this radiographic technique is less accurate than dissection, but might be used for rapid general field surveys and for in vivo observations of larval development within infested spikelets.

Type
Research Article
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 60 , Issue 3 , February 1971 , pp. 379 - 382
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

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