We appreciate the generous assistance of the Beijing Vocational College of Agriculture, the Institute for the Application of Atomic Energy (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science), the Bioresearch Center of Beijing Forestry University and Professor Shan-gan Zhang of the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. This research was supported by National Key R&#38;D Program of China (2017YFD0600103), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31570643, 81774015), Forest Scientific Research in the Public Welfare of China (201504304), Inner Mongolia Agricultural University High-level Talent Research Startup Plan (203206038), and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Higher Education Research Project (NJZZ18047), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Linxue &#34;Double First-class&#34; Construction Project (170001).

CAUTION: Consult the material safety data sheets of reagents before using them. Several of the chemicals used during sample preparation are toxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and/or reprotoxic. Use personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes) and work under a fume hood while handling the sample.
1. SEM Sample Preparation and Imaging
<ol>
	<li>Sample Fixation and Cleaning
	<ol>
		<li>Working in an area where C. caragana occur, attract adults into field traps baited with plant attractants, such as isophorone16. Preserve clean bodies of adult C. caragana in 0.1 mol L-1 phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2), 2.5% (wt/vol) glutaraldehyde (Anhydrous EM Grad), and 0.06% (vol/vol) Tween 20. Fix the sample at 4 &#176;C over the weekend.</li>
		<li>Remove the bodies from the preservation liquid and rinse in phosphate buffer. Using an stereomicroscope, remove the appendages and clean them ultrasonically (40 kHz) in a 0.1 mol L-1 phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2) with 0.06% (vol/vol) Tween 20 (PBST). After cleaning for 100 s, transfer the sample to the microscope to check if it was clean. Under normal circumstances, clean for 400s to ensure that the sample was clean enough to observe and not damaged.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Sample Dehydration, Mounting and Drying
	<ol>
		<li>Dehydrate the samples by using 20 min successive treatments in 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, and 100% (all vol/vol) ethanol. Under a stereomicroscope, use carbon double-sided adhesive tape to separately fix 3 observation surfaces (dorsal ventral and lateral) onto stubs. Note that all viewing surfaces must be kept clean and free of contamination. Place the sample stage in a petri dish containing a silica gel desiccant for 48 h.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Sputter-coat and Sample Insertion
	<ol>
		<li>Using Hitachi Koki (E-1010) ion sputtering instrument, rotate MAIN VALVE to OPEN position, remove the sample chamber cover, and put the sample into chamber. Put the POWER switch on, and READY light was on. Set Sputtering time as 45 seconds, and coating thickness as 70.875 &#197;. Once mechanical pump vacuum dial index dropped below 7, press DISCHARGE and start spraying platinum. At the end of experiment, turn off the power supply and take the sample out of chamber. Spray film thickness: d = KIVt (&#34;d&#34; is the thickness of the film in the unit of &#34; &#197; &#34;; &#34;K&#34; is a constant, depending on the sputtered metal and gas. For example, K of air is 0.07; &#34;I&#34; is the unit mA of plasma flow; &#34;V&#34; is the voltage applied in the unit of &#34;KV&#34;. &#34;t&#34; is time in seconds.</li>
		<li>Insert the stub containing the sample onto the stage of SEM. Make sure the sample stage with the sample stub had enough height to allow a good image. Open the SEM software and select a desired operating voltage, beginning at 20 kV.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. TEM Sample Preparation and Imaging
<ol>
	<li>Obtain and fix the sample as in steps 1.1.1 and 1.1.2.</li>
	<li>Cleaning, Secondary Fixation and Dehydration
	<ol>
		<li>Remove adult C. caragana from the preservation liquid. Using a stereomicroscope, remove the appendages, wash the samples in PBST for 3 h, and then post-fix them in 1% (wt/vol) osmium tetroxide in PBS for 1h at 25 &#176;C. Dehydrate the samples by using 20 min successive treatments in 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, and 100% (all vol/vol) ethanol at room temperature.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Resin Embedding and Polymerization
	<ol>
		<li>Embed the samples in resin in a flat embedding moulds. The sample was at the bottom of the plate and was placed as close as possible to the edge of the recessed groove. Place the label in the blank then incubate the plate containing the sample at 60 &#176;C for 72 h. Remove the capsule from the incubator and verify that the resin had polymerized.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Sample Sectioning and Staining
	<ol>
		<li>Once ensure the sample had been solidified, place each resin block under a fluorescence microscope and photograph them under blue light. Move the microscope&#39;s fluorescent light source so it irradiated the sample from above. Enable the sensilla in the resin block to be clearly observed. Photographed and measure distances to target the sensilla (Figure 1).</li>
		<li>Refer to SEM image of the palps (Figure 2A), and cut roughly the resin block with a razor blade to close the target receptor (Figure 2B).</li>
		<li>Next, using blue-light fluorescence microscopy, photograph the roughly cut resin block, adjusting the light source from above so that the sensilla was observed clearly. Green light excited by the blue light created a favorable observation. When imaging, the objective micrometer (DIV 0.01mm) was added to the fluorescence microscope stage, and then the distance of the target was measured by ImageJ software (U.S. National Institute of Health) (Figure 2C). The image ruler was made by Adobe Photoshop CS5 (Adobe Systems, Inc., San Jose, CA, USA). Then, for ultramicrotome slicing, set the cutting distance, using 50-60 nm slice thicknesses, until the target position was reached. Use fluorescence microscopy to pinpoint the target receptor.</li>
		<li>Mount the sections on Formvar-coated, 100-mesh copper grids, double-stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate.
		<ol>
			<li>Firstly, add 3.75 g uranyl acetate to 50 mL of 50 % methanol. Stain grids with a filtered (0.45 &#181;m) syringe of a saturated solution of uranyl acetate at room temperature for 10 min. Cover sections during staining to block light induced precipitates. Rinse 2x in 50 % methanol; 2x filtered degassed water.</li>
			<li>Secondly, add 0.02 g lead citrate to 10 mL of degassed distilled water in centrifuge tube. Add 0.1 mL of 10 N sodium hydroxide, seal and shake to dissolve. Stain grids with a solution of lead citrate for 8 min. Centrifuge before use. Staining must be done in a carbon dioxide free environment to prevent the formation of lead carbonate precipitates. Place drops of stain on squares of plastic petri dishes. Rinse in degassed filtered water and dry17. Observe them via TEM operating at 80 kV.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/59251/59251fig1a.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: A fluorescent microscope photographed a resin block enclosing the appendage of the Chlorophorus caragana. (A) Antenna resin block; (B) Resin block at the end of the ovipositor. The arrow indicated the edge of the resin block; dotted circle indicates the target sensilla. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/59251/59251fig1alarge.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/59251/59251fig2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: Procedures of the precise sensilla location method. (A) The 4th sub-segment of a maxillary palp of Chlorophorus caragana, the dotted circle showed the sensilla targeted by SEM. (B) The 4th sub-segment of a maxillary palp of C. caragana viewed by fluorescence microscopy. White arrow showed the roughly cut edge of the resin block and the dotted circle showed the accurate location. (C) The marked distance from the edge of the resin block to the maxillary palp target location (28 &#181;m in this sample). <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/59251/59251fig2alarge.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

<ol>
	<li>Song, Y. Q., Dong, J. F., Sun, H. Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Scanning+Electron+Microscope+Technology+of+Insect+Material.">Scanning Electron Microscope Technology of Insect Material.</a> Hubei Agricultural Sciences. 52, 1064-1065 (2013).</li><li>Liu, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+development+of+the+scanning+electron+microscopy+(sem)+and+its+application+in+polymer+materials+research.">The development of the scanning electron microscopy (sem) and its application in polymer materials research.</a> Journal of the Graduates Sun Yat-Sen University (Natural Sciences Medicine). 34, 7-12 (2008).</li><li>Gan, L., Jensen, G. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Electron+tomography+of+cells.">Electron tomography of cells.</a> Quarterly Reviews of Biophysics. 45, 27-56 (2011).</li><li>Lucic, V., Rigort, A., Baumeister, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cryo-electron+tomography:+the+challenge+of+doing+structural+biology+in+situ.">Cryo-electron tomography: the challenge of doing structural biology in situ.</a> The Journal of Cell Biology. 202, 407-419 (2013).</li><li>Trepout, S., Bastin, P., Marco, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Preparation+and+Observation+of+Thick+Biological+Samples+by+Scanning+Transmission+Electron+Tomography.">Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (121), e55215 (2017).</li><li>Zhang, X. J., Sun, W., Zhang, J., Zuo, T. T., Wang, Z. Q., Zhao, H. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Research+progress+of+coleopteran+insect+species+antennal+sensilla.">Research progress of coleopteran insect species antennal sensilla.</a> Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences. 41, 2932-2935 (2013).</li><li>Aldrich, J. R., Bartelt, R. J., Dickens, J. C., Knight, A. L., Light, D. M., Tumlinson, J. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Insect+chemical+ecology+research+in+the+United+States+Department+of+Agriculture-Agricultural+Research+Service.">Insect chemical ecology research in the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service.</a> Pest Management Science. 59, 777-787 (2003).</li><li>Thomas, C. B., Marlin, E. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pheromone+mating+disruption:+Novel,+non-toxic+control+of+the+European+corn+borer.">Pheromone mating disruption: Novel, non-toxic control of the European corn borer.</a> Leopold Center. 8, 57-60 (1999).</li><li>Chen, X. F., Hu, M. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Studies+on+the+specimen+preparation+techniques+of+scanning+electron+microscope+of+Ficus+simplicissima+Lour.">Studies on the specimen preparation techniques of scanning electron microscope of Ficus simplicissima Lour.</a> Journal of Zhongkai Agrotechnical College. 14, 68-70 (2001).</li><li>Zhou, W., Apkarian, R., Wang, Z. L., Joy, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fundamentals+of+Scanning+Electron+Microscopy+(SEM).">Fundamentals of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).</a> Scanning Microscopy for Nanotechnology. , 1-40 (2006).</li><li>Kothekar, S. C., Ware, A. M., Waghmare, J. T., Momin, S. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparative+Analysis+of+the+Properties+of+Tween-20,+Tween-60,+Tween-80,+Arlacel-60,+and+Arlacel-80.">Comparative Analysis of the Properties of Tween-20, Tween-60, Tween-80, Arlacel-60, and Arlacel-80.</a> Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology. 28, 477-484 (2007).</li><li>Chai, J. L., Liu, N., Bai, T. T., Zhang, H. M., Liu, N. N., Wang, D. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Compositions+and+Physicochemical+Properties+of+Tween+Type+Surfactants-Based+Microemulsions.">Compositions and Physicochemical Properties of Tween Type Surfactants-Based Microemulsions.</a> Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology. 35, 441-447 (2014).</li><li>Zhang, L. D., Zhao, L., Han, F., Xu, B. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Performance+and+applications+of+surfactants+(XV)+Detergency+of+surfactants+and+its+applications.">Performance and applications of surfactants (XV) Detergency of surfactants and its applications.</a> China Surfactant Detergent and Cosmetics. 45, 132-137 (2015).</li><li>Waghmare, P. R., Das, S., Mitra, S. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Under-water+superoleophobic+glass:+unexplored+role+of+the+surfactant-rich+solvent.">Under-water superoleophobic glass: unexplored role of the surfactant-rich solvent.</a> Scientific Reports. 3, 1-25 (2013).</li><li>Zhang, Y. R., Ren, L. L., Luo, Y. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Microtomy+of+insect+sensilla+embedded+in+resin+blocks+for+transmission+electronic+microscopy.">Microtomy of insect sensilla embedded in resin blocks for transmission electronic microscopy.</a> Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology. 50, 1479-1483 (2013).</li><li>Zong, S. X., Liu, X. H., Cao, C. J., Luo, Y. Q., Ren, L. L., Zhang, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+semiochemical+attractants+for+monitoring+and+controlling+Chlorophorus+caragana.">Development of semiochemical attractants for monitoring and controlling Chlorophorus caragana.</a> Zeitschrift f&#252;r Naturforschung. 68, 243-252 (2013).</li><li>Sumner, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Epoxy+resins+for+light+and+transmission+electron+microscopy.">Epoxy resins for light and transmission electron microscopy.</a> Plant Microtechniques and Protocols. , 83-101 (2015).</li><li>Schneider, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Insect+antennae.">Insect antennae.</a> Annual Review of Entomology. 9, 103-122 (1964).</li><li>Zacharuk, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Antennae+and+sensilla.">Antennae and sensilla.</a> Comprehensive Insect Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology. 6, 1-69 (1985).</li><li>Zacharuk, R., Albert, P., Bellamy, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrastructure+and+function+of+digitiform+sensilla+on+the+labial+palp+of+a+larval+elaterid+(Coleoptera).">Ultrastructure and function of digitiform sensilla on the labial palp of a larval elaterid (Coleoptera).</a> Canadian Journal of Zoology. 55, 569-578 (1977).</li><li>Shanbhag, S., M&#252;ller, B., Steinbrecht, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Atlas+of+olfactory+organs+of+Drosophila+melanogaster:+1,+Types,+external+organization,+innervation+and+distribution+of+olfactory+sensilla.">Atlas of olfactory organs of Drosophila melanogaster: 1, Types, external organization, innervation and distribution of olfactory sensilla.</a> International Journal of Insect Morphology and Embryology. 28, 377-397 (1999).</li><li>Tarumingkeng, R. C., Coppel, H. C., Matsumura, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Morphology+and+ultrastructure+of+the+antennal+chemoreceptors+and+mechanoreceptors+of+worker+Coptotermes+formosanus+Shiraki.">Morphology and ultrastructure of the antennal chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors of worker Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki.</a> Cell Tissue Res. 173, 173-178 (1976).</li><li>Zacharuk, R. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrastructure+and+function+of+insect+chemosensilla.">Ultrastructure and function of insect chemosensilla.</a> Annual Review of Entomology. 25, 27-47 (1980).</li><li>Li, Y. Z., Zhong, G. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Screening+of+detergents+and+floating+carriers+for+treating+potato+golden+nematode+cysts+to+improve+the+original+appearance+of+electron+microscopy.">Screening of detergents and floating carriers for treating potato golden nematode cysts to improve the original appearance of electron microscopy.</a> Plant quarantine. 8, 72-75 (1994).</li><li>Marzio, L. D., Marianecci, C., Petrone, M., Rinaldi, F., Carafa, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Novel+pH-sensitive+non-ionic+surfactant+vesicles:+comparison+between+tween+21+and+tween+20.">Novel pH-sensitive non-ionic surfactant vesicles: comparison between tween 21 and tween 20.</a> Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 82, 18-24 (2011).</li><li>Ren, L. L., Wu, Y., Shi, J., Zhang, L., Luo, Y. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Antenna+morphology+and+sensilla+ultrastructure+of+Tetrigus+lewisi+Cand&#232;ze+(Coleoptera:+Elateridae).">Antenna morphology and sensilla ultrastructure of Tetrigus lewisi Cand&#232;ze (Coleoptera: Elateridae).</a> Micron. 60, 29-38 (2014).</li><li>Ren, L., Shi, J., Zhang, Y., Luo, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Antennal+morphology+and+sensillar+ultrastructure+of+Dastarcus+helophoroides+(Fairmaire)+(Coleoptera:+Bothrideridae).">Antennal morphology and sensillar ultrastructure of Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae).</a> Micron. 43, 921-928 (2012).</li><li>Teng, X. H., Liu, X. L., Xie, G. Y., Tang, Q. B., Li, W. Z., Zhao, X. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Morphology+and+distribution+of+ovipositor+sensilla+of+female+Helicoverpa+armigera+(Lepidoptera:+Noctuidae).">Morphology and distribution of ovipositor sensilla of female Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).</a> The 11th Henan Plant Protection Society, the 10th Henan Insect Society, and the 5th Member Congress and Academic Symposium of Henan Plant Pathology Society. , 138-142 (2017).</li><li>Yang, R., Zhang, L. N., Fan, J. W., Wang, J. L., Fang, K. F., Yu, T. Q., Wang, S. H., Du, Y. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Insect+specimens+for+scanning+electron+microscopy.">Insect specimens for scanning electron microscopy.</a> Journal of Beijing University of Agriculture. 29, 33-36 (2014).</li><li>Zhang, Y. R., Ren, L. L., Zhang, L., Wang, R., Yu, Y., Lu, P. F., Luo, Y. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrastructure+and+distribution+of+sensilla+on+the+maxillary+and+labial+palps+of+Chlorophorus+caragana+(Coleoptera:+Cerambycidae).">Ultrastructure and distribution of sensilla on the maxillary and labial palps of Chlorophorus caragana (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).</a> Journal of Morphology. 279, 574-588 (2018).</li><li>Harrison, J. D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cleaning+and+preparing+adult+beetles+(Coleoptera)+for+light+and+scanning+electron+microscopy.">Cleaning and preparing adult beetles (Coleoptera) for light and scanning electron microscopy.</a> African Entomology. 20, 395-401 (2012).</li><li>Xiao, Y., Liu, W., Wang, Y., Zuo, Y. X., Hu, R., Li, T. T., Cui, Z. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Drying+methods+of+biological+sample+preparation+for+scanning+electron+microscope.">Drying methods of biological sample preparation for scanning electron microscope.</a> Research and Exploration Laboratory. 32, 46-53 (2013).</li><li>Graef, M. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Introduction to Conventional Transmission Electron Microscopy. , 1 (2003).</li></ol>

We have no conflict of interest to disclose.

In this article, we presented a sample preparation scheme for scanning and transmission electron microscopy for woodboring beetle. Using insect appendage as a representative study subject, we demonstrated several improvements over traditional sample preparation methods.
The liquid oil detached from the solid surface is emulsified into small droplets, which can be well dispersed and suspended in the washing medium to reduce redepositing on the surface of the object. Washing performance of surfa...

Scanning electron microscopy is an important tool in many morphology studies, that SEM shows surface structures1,2. Transmission electron microscopy&#39;s appeal is that it can be used to study a wide range of biological structures at the nanometer scale, from the architecture of cells and the ultrastructure of organelles, to the structure of macromolecular complexes and proteins. TEM shows inner structures3,4,5.
Coleoptera is the largest group of insects, including about 182 families and 350,000 species. Most of the coleopteran insects, in particular woodboring beetle, feed on plants, many of which are important pests of forests and fruit trees, causing devastating damage to trees6. At present, prevention and control population of pests based on chemical ecology theory have received increasing attention7. Efficient, low-toxic, pollution-free pheromone control methods have become an effective way8. Studying the sensilla morphology and ultrastructure of insects is an important part of insect chemical ecology research. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively) are used to great effect to study their morphology and internal anatomy. However, during preparation of insect samples for electron microscopy (EM), the objectivity and authenticity of the observation site may be affected9. In general, SEM sample preparation of insects requires cleaning, tissue fixation, dehydration, metathesis, drying, and sputter-coating10. Due to the complex environment in which woodboring beetle live, the body surface often has various pollutants and their appendages often have many fine long sensilla or bristles. In particular, some woodborers are not available from laboratory raising, which collected directly in the field, and then put into fixing fluid to ensure freshness and subsequently washed in the laboratory. If the sample is first fixed and then washed, obviously it is much more difficult to remove debris because glutaraldehyde strongly fixes it to the sample. Tween 20 is a surfactant11,12,13,14, which plays an important role in the washing process, including reducing the surface tension of water and improving the wettability of water on the surface of the laundry. In this study, Tween 20 was added to the fixing solution and PBS cleaning solution to reduce the surface tension of the liquid, and prevent the dirt from depositing on the body surface of the woodboring beetle, which made the body surface cleaner in SEM.
Using TEM, sensilla on different organs of insects can be sliced to reveal the clear structures inside them, thus providing a basis for analyzing sensilla functions. When the subject insect, such as woodboring beetle, is large, and its body wall has a substantial degree of sclerotization, so the fixative may not fully saturate organ tissues inside the insect body. Tween 20 can enhance the dispersion and suspension capacity of the dirt. In this study, Tween 20 was added to the fixative to enhance fixative fluid penetration into the insect body wall of woodboring beetle, avoiding deformation and collapse of the epidermi11,12,13. In addition, using general slicing technology, it is difficult to accurately locate different types of sensilla, in particular for some small sensilla15. Based on traditional TEM sample preparation, this study combined fluorescence microscopy and SEM to determine the position of insect sensilla in the embedded block, thus improving slicing accuracy.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Anatomical lens</td><td>Chongqing Auto Optical&lt;br/&gt; limited liability company</td><td>1425277</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Carbon adhesive tape</td><td>SPI Supplies, Division of Structure Probes, Inc.</td><td>7311</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Carbon tetrachloride</td><td>Sigma</td><td>56-23-5</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Copper grids</td><td>GilderGrids</td><td>G300</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Disodium hydrogen phosphate</td><td>Sinopharm group chemical reagent co., LTD</td><td>10039-32-4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ethanol</td><td>J.T. Baker</td><td>64-17-5</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Flat embedding molds</td><td>Hyde Venture (Beijing) Biotechnology Co., Ltd.</td><td>70900</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fluorescence microscope</td><td>LEICA</td><td>DM2500</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Glutaraldehyde</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>111-30-8</td><td>Anhydrous EM Grade</td></tr><tr><td>Isophorone</td><td>Sigma</td><td>78-59-1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Lead citrate</td><td>Sigma</td><td>512-26-5</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Methanol</td><td>Sigma</td><td>67-56-1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Monobasic sodium phosphate</td><td>Its group chemical reagent co., LTD</td><td>7558-80-7</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Objective micrometer</td><td>Olympus</td><td>0-001-034</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Osmium tetroxide</td><td>Sigma</td><td>541-09-3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Petri dish</td><td>Aldrich</td><td>1998</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Razor blade</td><td>Gillette</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Resin</td><td>Spurr</td><td>ERL4221</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Scalpel</td><td>Lianhui</td><td>GB/T19001-2008</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEM</td><td>Hitachi</td><td>S-3400</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Silica gel desiccant</td><td>Suzhou Longhui Desiccant Co., Ltd.</td><td>112926-00-8</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Small brush</td><td>Martol</td><td>G1220</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sodium hydroxide</td><td>Sigma</td><td>1310-73-2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sputter ion instrument</td><td>Hitachi Koki Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan</td><td>E-1010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stereo microscope</td><td>Leica</td><td>EZ4 HD</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TEM</td><td>Hitachi</td><td>H-7500</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tween 20</td><td>Tianjin Damao Chemical Reagent</td><td>9005-64-5</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ultramicrotome</td><td>Leica</td><td>UC6</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ultrasonic cleaner</td><td>GT Sonic</td><td>GT-X1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Uranyl acetate</td><td>Sigma</td><td>6159-44-0</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

sample preparation method of scanning and transmission electron microscope for the appendages of woodboring beetle

This report described sample preparation methods that scanning and transmission electron microscope observations, demonstrated by preparing appendages of the woodboring beetle, Chlorophorus caragana Xie &#38; Wang (2012), for both types of electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) sample preparation protocol was based on sample chemical fixation, dehydration in a series of ethanol baths, drying, and sputter-coating. By adding Tween 20 (Polyoxyethylene sorbitan laurate) to the fixative and the wash solution, the insect body surface of woodboring beetle was washed more cleanly in SEM. This study&#39;s transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation involved a series of steps including fixation, ethanol dehydration, embedding in resin, positioning using fluorescence microscopy, sectioning, and staining. Fixative with Tween 20 enabled penetrate the insect body wall of woodboring beetle more easily than it would had been without Tween 20, and subsequently better fixed tissues and organs in the body, thus yielded clear transmission electron microscope observations of insect sensilla ultrastructures. The next step of this preparation was determining the positions of insect sensilla in the sample embedded in the resin block by using fluorescence microscopy to increase the precision of target sensilla positioning. This improved slicing accuracy.

Using cleaning and fixative solution with Tween 20, cleaner SEM image was observed than that without Tween 20 (Figure 3). Tween 20 fixing solution penetrated the glutaraldehyde fixing solution into the tissue. Microtubule structure was clearly seen. TEM image of the internal structure of the sample was blurred without Tween 20 (Figure 4).
<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfig...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Sample Preparation Method of Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscope for the Appendages of Woodboring Beetle at JoVE.com

Sample Preparation Method of Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscope for the Appendages of Woodboring Beetle

In order to observe ultrastructure of insect sensilla, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively) sample preparation protocol were presented in the study. Tween 20 was added into the fixative to avoid sample deformation in SEM. Fluorescence microscopy was helpful for improving slicing accuracy in TEM.

This report described sample preparation methods that scanning and transmission electron microscope observations, demonstrated by preparing appendages of ...

sample-preparation-method-scanning-transmission-electron-microscope

Research

JoVE Journal

Environment

18.7K Views.  Beijing Forestry University. Woodboring kever hun lichaamsoppervlak zijn altijd hard in SEM. De Tween-20 wordt toegevoegd aan fixatieve en wasoplossing. Het lichaamsoppervlak van houtborenkever In TEM kan de Tween-20 de fixatieve penetratie in de lichaamswand verbeteren en weefsel en orgaan in het lichaam beter fixeren.De fluorescentie microscoop is nuttig voor het verbeteren van snijden nauwkeurigheid. De techniek is nuttig voor het wassen van het lichaamsoppervlak en penetreren in de lichaamswand in de houtborin...

Video: Sample Preparation Method of Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscope for the Appendages of Woodboring Beetle

A Technical Perspective in Modern Tree-ring Research - How to Overcome Dendroecological and Wood Anatomical Challenges

Dendroecological research uses information stored in tree rings to understand how single trees and even entire forest ecosystems responded to environmental changes and to finally reconstruct such changes. This is done by analyzing growth variations back in time and correlating various plant-specific parameters to (for example) temperature records. Integrating wood anatomical parameters in these analyses would strengthen reconstructions, even down to intra-annual resolution. We therefore present a protocol on how to sample, prepare, and analyze wooden specimen for common macroscopic analyses, but also for subsequent microscopic analyses. Furthermore we introduce a potential solution for analyzing digital images generated from common small and large specimens to support time-series analyses. The protocol presents the basic steps as they currently can be used. Beyond this, there is an ongoing need for the improvement of existing techniques, and development of new techniques, to record and quantify past and ongoing environmental processes. Traditional wood anatomical research needs to be expanded to include ecological information to this field of research. This would support dendro-scientists who intend to analyze new parameters and develop new methodologies to understand the short and long term effects of specific environmental factors on the anatomy of woody plants.

Here we present a protocol outlining how to sample wooden specimens for the overall assessment of their growth structures. Macro- and microscopic preparation and visualization techniques necessary to generate well-replicated and highly resolved wood anatomical and dendroecological dataset, are described are described.

Dendroecological research uses information stored in tree rings to understand how single trees and even entire forest ecosystems responded to ...

Focussed Ion Beam Milling and Scanning Electron Microscopy of Brain Tissue

This protocol describes how biological samples, like brain tissue, can be imaged in three dimensions using the focussed ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM). The samples are fixed with aldehydes, heavy metal stained using osmium tetroxide and uranyl acetate. They are then dehydrated with alcohol and infiltrated with resin, which is then hardened. Using a light microscope and ultramicrotome with glass knives, a small block containing the region interest close to the surface is made. The block is then placed inside the FIB/SEM, and the ion beam used to roughly mill a vertical face along one side of the block, close to this region. Using backscattered electrons to image the underlying structures, a smaller face is then milled with a finer ion beam and the surface scrutinised more closely to determine the exact area of the face to be imaged and milled. The parameters of the microscope are then set so that the face is repeatedly milled and imaged so that serial images are collected through a volume of the block. The image stack will typically contain isotropic voxels with dimenions as small a 4 nm in each direction. This image quality in any imaging plane enables the user to analyse cell ultrastructure at any viewing angle within the image stack.

This protocol describes how resin embedded brain tissue can be prepared and imaged in the three dimensions in the focussed ion beam, scanning electron microscope.

This protocol describes how biological samples, like brain tissue, can be imaged in three dimensions using the focussed ion beam/scanning electron ...

Neuroscience

A Method for Obtaining Serial Ultrathin Sections of Microorganisms in Transmission Electron Microscopy

Observing cells and cell components in three dimensions at high magnification in transmission electron microscopy requires preparing serial ultrathin sections of the specimen. Although preparing serial ultrathin sections is considered to be very difficult, it is rather easy if the proper method is used. In this paper, we show a step-by-step procedure for safely obtaining serial ultrathin sections of microorganisms. The key points of this method are: 1) to use the large part of the specimen and adjust the specimen surface and knife edge so that they are parallel to each other; 2) to cut serial sections in groups and avoid difficulty in separating sections using a pair of hair strands when retrieving a group of serial sections onto the slit grids; 3) to use a 'Section-holding loop' and avoid mixing up the order of the section groups; 4) to use a 'Water-surface-raising loop' and make sure the sections are positioned on the apex of the water and that they touch the grid first, in order to place them in the desired position on the grids; 5) to use the support film on an aluminum rack and make it easier to recover the sections on the grids and to avoid wrinkling of the support film; and 6) to use a staining tube and avoid accidentally breaking the support films with tweezers. This new method enables obtaining serial ultrathin sections without difficulty. The method makes it possible to analyze cell structures of microorganisms at high resolution in 3D, which cannot be achieved by using the automatic tape-collecting ultramicrotome method and serial block-face or focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy.

This study presents reliable and easy procedures for obtaining serial ultrathin sections of a microorganism without expensive equipment in transmission electron microscopy.

Observing cells and cell components in three dimensions at high magnification in transmission electron microscopy requires preparing serial ultrathin ...

Engineering

Processing Embryo, Eggshell, and Fungal Culture for Scanning Electron Microscopy

Although scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is being widely used for the ultra-structural analysis of various biological and non-biological samples, methods involved in processing different biological samples involve unique practices. All conventional practices described in the literature for processing samples still find useful applications, but subtle changes in the sample preparation can alter image quality, as well as, introduce artifacts. Hence, using a unique sample preparation technique specific to the type of tissue analyzed is required to obtain a good quality image with ultrastructural resolution. The focus of this study is to provide the optimal sample preparation protocols for imaging embryos, rigid eggshells, and fungal cultures using SEM. The following optimizations were recommended to yield good results for the three different delicate biological samples studied. Use of milder fixatives like 4% paraformaldehyde or 3% glutaraldehyde followed by dehydration with ethanol series is mandatory. Fungal mycelium on agar blocks obtained by slide cultures yields a better ultrastructural integrity compared to cultures taken directly from agar plates. Chemical drying of embryos with HMDS provides drying without introducing surface tension artifacts compared to critical point drying. HMDS prevents cracking caused by shrinkage as samples are less brittle during drying. However, for fungal culture, critical point drying provides acceptable image quality compared to chemical drying. Eggshells can be imaged with no special preparation steps except for thorough washing and air drying prior to mounting. Preparation methodologies were standardized based on acceptable image quality obtained with each trial.&#160;

Here, we present detailed processing protocols for imaging delicate tissue samples using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three different processing methods, namely, hexamethyl disilazana (HMDS) chemical drying, simple air drying, and critical point drying are described for preparing rigid eggshells, embryos at early developmental stages, and fungal cultures respectively.

Although scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is being widely used for the ultra-structural analysis of various biological and non-biological samples, ...

Whole Animal Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster using Microcomputed Tomography

Biomedical imaging tools permit investigation of molecular mechanisms across spatial scales, from genes to organisms. Drosophila melanogaster, a well-characterized model organism, has benefited from the use of light and electron microscopy to understand gene function at the level of cells and tissues. The application of imaging platforms that allow for an understanding of gene function at the level of the entire intact organism would further enhance our knowledge of genetic mechanisms. Here a whole animal imaging method is presented that outlines the steps needed to visualize Drosophila at any developmental stage using microcomputed tomography (&#181;-CT). The advantages of &#181;-CT include commercially available instrumentation and minimal hands-on time to produce accurate 3D information at micron-level resolution without the need for tissue dissection or clearing methods. Paired with software that accelerate image analysis and 3D rendering, detailed morphometric analysis of any tissue or organ system can be performed to better understand mechanisms of development, physiology, and anatomy for both descriptive and hypothesis testing studies. By utilizing an imaging workflow that incorporates the use of electron microscopy, light microscopy, and &#181;-CT, a thorough evaluation of gene function can be performed, thus furthering the usefulness of this powerful model organism.

Whole Animal Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster using Microcomputed Tomography

A protocol is presented that allows for the visualization of intact Drosophila melanogaster at any stage of development using microcomputed tomography.

Biomedical imaging tools permit investigation of molecular mechanisms across spatial scales, from genes to organisms. Drosophila melanogaster, a ...

Developmental Biology

Optimizing Sample Preparation Process for Transmission Electron Microscopy of Neuromuscular Junctions in Drosophila Larvae

The Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has emerged as a valuable model system in the field of neuroscience. The application of confocal microscopy at the Drosophila NMJ enables researchers to acquire synaptic information, encompassing both quantitative data on synapse abundance and detailed insights into their morphology. However, the diffuse distribution and limited visual range of the TEM present challenges for the ultrastructural analysis. This study introduces an innovative and efficient sample preparation method that surpasses the conventional approach. The procedure begins by placing a metal mesh at the base of a flat-bottomed bottle or test tube, followed by positioning fixed larvae samples onto the mesh. An additional mesh is placed over the samples, ensuring that they are positioned between the two meshes. The fixed samples are thoroughly dehydrated and infiltrated before proceeding with the embedding procedure. Then embedding of the samples in epoxy resin is performed in a flat sheet manner, which allows for the preparation of muscles for positioning and sectioning. Benefiting from these steps, all the muscles of Drosophila larvae can be visualized under light microscopy, therey facilitating subsequent positioning and sectioning. Excess resin is removed after locating the 6th and 7th muscles of body segments A2 and A3. Serial ultra-thin sectioning of the 6th or 7th muscle is performed.

Optimizing Sample Preparation Process for Transmission Electron Microscopy of Neuromuscular Junctions in Drosophila Larvae

This report provides a new sample preparation procedure for visualizing neuromuscular junctions in Drosophila Larvae. This method is more effective in preventing the curling of the samples compared to the traditional method and is particularly useful for Drosophila neuromuscular junction ultrastructural analysis.

The Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has emerged as a valuable model system in the field of neuroscience. The application of confocal microscopy at ...

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Protocols for Problematic Plant, Oomycete, and Fungal Samples

Common problems in the processing of biological samples for observations with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) include cell collapse, treatment of samples from wet microenvironments and cell destruction. Using young floral tissues, oomycete cysts, and fungi spores (Agaricales) as examples, specific protocols to process delicate samples are described here that overcome some of the main challenges in sample treatment for image capture under the SEM.
Floral meristems fixed with FAA (Formalin-Acetic-Alcohol) and processed with the Critical Point Dryer (CPD) did not display collapsed cellular walls or distorted organs. These results are crucial for the reconstruction of floral development. A similar CPD-based treatment of samples from wet microenvironments, such as the glutaraldehyde-fixed oomycete cysts, is optimal to test the differential growth of diagnostic characteristics (e.g., the cyst spines) on different types of substrates. Destruction of nurse cells attached to fungi spores was avoided after rehydration, dehydration, and the CPD treatment, an important step for further functional studies of these cells.
The protocols detailed here represent low-cost and rapid alternatives for the acquisition of good-quality images to reconstruct growth processes and to study diagnostic characteristics.

Scanning Electron Microscopy SEM Protocols for Problematic Plant, Oomycete, and Fungal Samples

Problems in the processing of biological samples for scanning electron microscopy observation include cell collapse, treatment of samples from wet microenvironments and cell destruction. Low-cost and relatively rapid protocols suited for preparing challenging samples such as floral meristems, oomycete cysts, and fungi (Agaricales) are compiled and detailed here.

Common problems in the processing of biological samples for observations with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) include cell collapse, treatment of ...

Biology

Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography

This report describes a protocol for preparing thick biological specimens for further observation using a scanning transmission electron microscope. It also describes an imaging method for studying the 3D structure of thick biological specimens by scanning transmission electron tomography. The sample preparation protocol is based on conventional methods in which the sample is fixed using chemical agents, treated with a heavy atom salt contrasting agent, dehydrated in a series of ethanol baths, and embedded in resin. The specific imaging conditions for observing thick samples by scanning transmission electron microscopy are then described. Sections of the sample are observed using a through-focus method involving the collection of several images at various focal planes. This enables the recovery of in-focus information at various heights throughout the sample. This particular collection pattern is performed at each tilt angle during tomography data collection. A single image is then generated, merging the in-focus information from all the different focal planes. A classic tilt-series dataset is then generated. The advantage of the method is that the tilt-series alignment and reconstruction can be performed using standard tools. The collection of through-focal images allows the reconstruction of a 3D volume that contains all of the structural details of the sample in focus.

This report describes a sample preparation protocol and specific imaging conditions for performing scanning transmission electron tomography of thick biological specimens.

This report describes a protocol for preparing thick biological specimens for further observation using a scanning transmission electron microscope. It ...

Microscopy Techniques for Interpreting Fungal Colonization in Mycoheterotrophic Plants Tissues and Symbiotic Germination of Seeds

Structural botany is an indispensable perspective to fully understand the ecology, physiology, development, and evolution of plants. When researching mycoheterotrophic plants (i.e., plants that obtain carbon from fungi), remarkable aspects of their structural adaptations, the patterns of tissue colonization by fungi, and the morphoanatomy of subterranean organs can enlighten their developmental strategies and their relationships with hyphae, the source of nutrients. Another important role of symbiotic fungi is related to the germination of orchid seeds; all Orchidaceae species are mycoheterotrophic during germination and seedling stage (initial mycoheterotrophy), even the ones that photosynthesize in adult stages. Due to the lack of nutritional reserves in orchid seeds, fungal symbionts are essential to provide substrates and enable germination. Analyzing germination stages by structural perspectives can also answer important questions regarding the fungi interaction with the seeds. Different imaging techniques can be applied to unveil fungi endophytes in plant tissues, as are proposed in this article. Freehand and thin sections of plant organs can be stained and then observed using light microscopy. A fluorochrome conjugated to wheat germ agglutinin can be applied to the fungi and co-incubated with Calcofluor White to highlight plant cell walls in confocal microscopy. In addition, the methodologies of scanning and transmission electron microscopy are detailed for mycoheterotrophic orchids, and the possibilities of applying such protocols in related plants is explored. Symbiotic germination of orchid seeds (i.e., in the presence of mycorrhizal fungi) is described in the protocol in detail, along with possibilities of preparing the structures obtained from different stages of germination for analyses with light, confocal, and electron microscopy.

This protocol aims to provide detailed procedures for collecting, fixing, and maintaining mycoheterotrophic plant samples, applying different microscopy techniques such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy, light, confocal, and fluorescence microscopy to study fungal colonization in plants tissues and seeds germinated with mycorrhizal fungi.

Structural botany is an indispensable perspective to fully understand the ecology, physiology, development, and evolution of plants. When researching ...

Exploring Entomopathogenic Fungi Resources from Forest Wood Borers

Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer

Forest wood borers (FWB) cause severe tree damage and economic losses worldwide. The release of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) during the FWB emergence period is considered an acceptable alternative to chemical control. However, EPF resources have been significantly less explored for FWBs, in contrast to agricultural insect pests. This paper presents a protocol for exploring EPF resources from FWBs using wild Monochamus alternatus populations as an example. In this protocol, the assignment of traps baited with M. alternatus attractants to different populations guaranteed the collection of adequate samples with natural infection symptoms, during the emergence periods of the beetle. Following finely dissecting integuments and placing them onto a selective medium, fungal species were isolated from each part of beetle bodies and identified based on both molecular and morphological traits.
Several fungal species were certified as parasitic EPFs via re-infection of healthy M. alternatus with spore suspensions. Their behavioral phenotypes on M. alternatus were observed using scanning electron microscopy and further compared with those on the Coleopteran model insect Tribolium castaneum. For EPFs that present consistent parasitism phenotypes on both beetle species, evaluation of their activities on T. castaneum provided valuable information on lethality for future study on M. alternatus. This protocol helped the discovery of EPF newly reported on M. alternatus populations in China, which could be applied as an efficient approach to explore more EPF resources from other FWBs.

Author Spotlight: Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Wild Monochamus alternatus Populations for Biocontrol Applications in Forest Wood Borers

Here we present a protocol for obtaining entomopathogenic fungi from a forest wood borer and a substitutive way to evaluate their entomopathogenic activities using a Coleopteran model insect. This method is efficient and convenient for exploring entomopathogenic fungal resources from wood-boring insect pests in natural forests.

Forest wood borers (FWB) cause severe tree damage and economic losses worldwide. The release of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) during the FWB emergence ...

Sample Preparation Method of Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscope for the Appendages of Woodboring Beetle

Samenvatting

Meer video's verkennen