Multiplication and morphology of <i>Spiroplasma citri</i> in the leafhopper <i>Euscelis plebejus</i>

Abstract

SUMMARY Spiroplasma citri multiplied in all Euscelis plebejus leaf hoppers injected and sometimes reached titres of over 1 × 10 7 colony forming units per insect. Spiroplasmas could be isolated from the haemolymph at all times although helices were only apparent for a few days after injection. The salivary glands of injected insects contained membrane bound pockets densely packed with mycoplasma‐like bodies. These bodies were frequently infected with virus‐like particles similar to those found in cultures of S. citri. Spiroplasmas had little effect on the longevity of the leafhoppers.