The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology (1997) 44, 326-331

Wei-June Chen, Shu-Tsuan Wu, Chia-Yi Chow and Ching-Hsiang Yang (1997)
Sporogonic development of the gregarine Ascogregarina taiwanensis (Lien and Levine) (Apicomplexa: Lecudinidae) in its natural host Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae)
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology 44 (4), 326-331
Abstract: Sexual reproduction of Ascogregarina taiwanensis occurred in pupal Malpighian tubules of its natural host Aedes albopictus, resulting in the formation of gametocysts within which oocysts developed. Sporogony proceeded in each newly formed unsporulated oocyst; eight sporozoites were formed after completion of nuclear divisions followed by the cytokinesis. Developing oocysts were separated by gradient centrifugation on percoll based on different buoyant densities. The slender sporozoite had a typical apical complex composed of a coiled conoid, polar rings, rhoptries with ductules, subpellicular microtubules and micronemes. An apical cavity was seen in the gland-like rhoptries. Mitochondria of gregarines were not seen in any stage during the sporogony. Howeever, amylopectin granules were frequently seen in the cytoplasm. These starch-related granules became scant when the sporozoite was formed. We assumed they were associated with the energy source. Since the apical complex was only present in the sporozoite stage, it was most likely related to the invasion of host epithelial cells of the midgut during the early phase of infection.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Wei June Chen

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aedes albopictus
Ascogregarina taiwanensis (entomopathogen)	Aedes albopictus