CHARACTERIZATION OF EXTRANEOUS PARTICLES LOCATED ON THE LEAF SURFACE OF SEVERAL PLANT-SPECIES

Microscopic particles, distributed randomly over the leaf surfaces of several plant species (dwarf bean, apple) are identified as artefacts arising from contamination by populations of adult whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarium). The larger particles are whitefly eggs contained within a capsule. The smaller particles, in the form of grooved ribbons or coils, form part of a waxy secretion covering the eggs and the whole surface of the adult insect. The waxy material was composed predominantly of glyceryldioctadecenylhexadecanoate.