µCT identification of scale insect feeding sites in fir needles

Elongate Hemlock Scale (EHS) is a pest of firs and other coniferous trees, native to Japan and southern China and an accidentally introduced and established in north-eastern US. The EHS feeds on fir needles by piercing them with an expansive, straw-like stylet with a very high aspect ratio (few µm thick, but > 1 mm long), that weaves through the plant tissue. We will scan EHS-infested fir needles in high-resolution µCT in order to visualize the stylet inside the needle, improving our understanding of which specific tissues EHS targets, what are the mechanisms of resistance in firs against EHS, and paving the way to improved pest management strategies.