Since the earliest beginnings of scientific investigation the ability to observe has been one of the most important aspects of data acquisition for answering research problems. To this end, man has developed magnifying lenses and sophisticated light microscopes of various types to improve his ability to see. In the twentieth century, with the advent of electronics, microscopy has been expanded into the realm of seeing by the use of electrons rather than visible light. New instrumentation, such as Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopes, has presented us with a vast wealth of knowledge previously unobtainable through the use of our eyes alone. By use of a finely focused electron beam interacting with the sample, hidden worlds of structure, function and behavior have been revealed. Presented in this poster, are electron micrographs representing a few of the multitude of important agricultural, medical and economic pests which attack our nations food supply, well being and productivity. Billions of dollars each year are lost to these ubiquitous pests and pathogens, ranging in size, from the visible to the molecular!
What types of questions can be answered by the use of electron microscopy? Projects at Beltsville involving identification of Insects, Mites, Parasites, Nematodes, Fungi, Bacteria and Viruses, rely on light microscopy as well as Electron Microscopy techniques for the accurate identification of these pests. Observation of structural characteristics using methods such as:
• Low Temperarture SEM.and others allow different types of information to be collected. Through utilization of these microscopical techniques, structural details can be associated with functional understanding.