›› 2003, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (1): 118-121.

• RESEARCH PAPERS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Observations on histopathology of tissue infected by Nosema sp. (Microsporida) in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)larvae

RAN Hong-Fan1, FENG Shu-Liang2*, PAN Wen-Liang2, FAN Xiu-Hua2   

  • Online:2003-02-20 Published:2003-02-20

Abstract: A previously unknown microsporidian pathogen Nosema sp. in Helicoverpa armigera(Hübner)is described. It invaded H. armigera larvae and could be transmitted vertically to their offspring. This study investigates ultrastructural changes of infected host cells using electron microscopy. The results indicate that the pathogen occurs in the midgut, fat bodies, malpighian tubules and nerve cells of the host. After invading the host, it causes the micro-villi of the midgut to fall off, the nucleus to become smaller and the shape of the nucleus to change. The malpighian tubules become swollen and the nucleus of nerve cells becomes elongated and their boundaries indistinct. The mitochondria become smaller and the cristae become aligned parallel or at an angle to the long axis of the mitochondria. The endoplasmic reticulum is disordered, however, the pathogen did not invade the nucleus.

Key words: Helicoverpa armigera, microsporidian, histopathology, ultrastructure