How do grasshopper Oxya chinensis respond to the artificially infected bacteria?

Oxya chinensis is one of the most widespread grasshopper species found in China and one of the most common pests against rice. Due to the importance of haemocytes in insect immunity and limited information on the haemocytes of O. chinensis, their haemocytes were examined in detail. The cellular response of the grasshopper was challenged with bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The morphology of the haemocytes was illustrated by the use of light, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy, where different morphological varieties of haemocytes were observed. Granulocytes and plasmatocytes responded to the challenged bacteria by phagocytosis. The histochemical staining has indicated the presence of acid phosphatase in plasmatocytes and granulocytes. Non-phagocytic prohemocytes and vermicytes were noticed, but their functions in the circulation are unclear. Our results demonstrate an essential role of plasmatocytes and granulocytes in the innate immunity of O. chinensis. Insect haemocytes play a crucial role in cellular immunity, and further research is needed for a comprehensive understanding.\n\nSummary statementThe cellular response was used by Oxya chinensis against the bacterial challenges where two types of haemocytes shared the duty of phagocytosis.