A SIMPLE STAINING TECHNIQUE FOR ASSESSING FEEDING DAMAGE BY LEPTOGLOSSUS OCCIDENTALIS HEIDEMANN (HEMIPTERA: COREIDAE) ON CONES
Keyword(s):
AbstractPectinmethylesterase (PME) activity was found in the salivary glands of nymphs and adults of a leaf-footed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann. Puncture wounds in cone scales resulting from PME activity in the saliva of these bugs were seen by staining with a 0.05% aqueous solution of ruthenium red. This staining technique can be used to estimate feeding damage by L. occidentalis on cones of western white pine (Pinus monticola Dougl.), sugar pine (P. lambertiana Dougl.), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco).