1. Identify a suitable plant: Choose a plant species that is known to have a high phloem sap flow and can easily be infested by aphids.
2. Create an aphid colony: Establish a colony of aphids by collecting a group of aphids from their natural habitat or purchasing them from a reliable source.
3. Infest the chosen plant: Place the aphids on the selected plant and allow them to settle and establish themselves by feeding on the phloem sap.
4. Collect the phloem exudates: Set up a suitable apparatus, such as a glass capillary or silicon tubing, to pierce or cut a phloem sieve element. Position the apparatus close to the aphids and place a collection solution at the other end to collect the phloem exudates.
5. Monitor and collect the exudates: Monitor the collection system regularly and collect the phloem exudates that have been secreted by aphids feeding on the plant. Store the collected exudates appropriately for further analysis or experimentation.
Give a five steps procedure on how to collect the phloem exudates using aphids (short steps)
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