Histopathological studies on irradiated and chemosterilized beet leafhoppers, Circulifer tenellus

The internal morphology of the reproductive system of Circulifer tenellus (Baker) is described. Morphological, as well as histological changes resulting from exposure of nymphs and adult males and females to Co60 irradiation, or treatment by N,N'-hexamethylenebis(1-aziridinecarboxamide are discussed. Primary egg chambers with developing oögonia, oocytes, and follicle cells are present in 12-hour-old females. Females exposed to 5 kr irradiation showed only a reduction of various cell stages of oögenesis, but 10 kr dosages caused nuclear disintegration and cellular atrophy. Similar effects were observed in chemosterilized individuals, nymphs being more sensitive than adults. Treatment of males with 20-kr dosages resulted in pronounced cell necrosis and sperm depletion.