D. K. Reed

Isometric virus-like particles from citrus red mites, Panonychus citri

Abstract Virus-like spherical particles found in laboratory-reared citrus red mites but not in field populations were independent of the pathogenic virus affecting this species. Three sizes of particles are present: 18-nm spheres occuring in crystalline array, and 30- and 37-nm spheres. The particles possess antigenic properties and contain RNA.

Determination of mode of transmission of the citrus red mite virus

Abstract Successful inoculations of citrus red mites, Panonychus citri, with the nonoccluded virus were made by feeding healthy mites through membranes on contaminated lemon fruit. Manipulation of the membranes showed that healthy mites pick up the virus from contaminated surface substrates rather than from within plant cells. Electron microscopical studies substantiated that feces of infected mites should be highly infectious since the hindgut contains numerous virus rods.

Inhibition of formation of birefringent crystals by high humidity in citrus red mites infected with virus

Abstract The presence of birefringent crystalline inclusions within the bodies of citrus red mites, Panonychus citri , infected with a nonoccluded virus is the major criterion for diagnosis. However, if mites inoculated with the virus are exposed to a high humidity within 5–6 days, the initiation of these crystals is greatly inhibited.

Effects of temperature on virus-host relationships and on activity of the noninclusion virus of citrus red mites, Panonychus citri

Abstract The nonoccluded virus of citrus red mite retained full infectivity when exposed to 40.5°C for 24 hr within intact mite bodies but was inactivated at 46°C for 6 hr and 60°C for 1 hr. Exposures to 38°C for 28 days failed to destroy infectivity. Virus inoculated mites exposed to different temperature regimens had shortened periods of lethal infection at high temperatures and greatly lengthened periods of lethal infection at cool temperatures suggesting that failures in mite control by virus in the early spring and late fall may be due to previously unrecognized temperature relationships.