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Published on: September 3, 2008
Infectivity studies of a new baculovirus isolate for the control of the diamondback moth (Plutellidae: Lepidoptera)
1Department of Entomology, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.
Abstract:
This study describes a new baculovirus isolate recovered from infected larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), and identified as a multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (MNPV). The plaque purified isolate designated as PxMNPVCL3 was found to be pathogenic to P. xylostella, Heliothis virescens (F.), Trichoplusia ni (Hübner), H. subflexa (Guenée), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), and S. frugiperda (J. E. Smith) larvae in decreasing order of susceptibility. The LC50 for diamondback moth, the most susceptible, was 6 occlusion bodies (OB)/cm2, whereas the most resistant species, namely S. frugiperda, was 577 OB/cm2. PxMNPVCL3 was more pathogenic to diamondback moth by 3-4 log cycles as compared with 2 broad-spectrum baculoviruses, namely Autographa california (alfalfa looper) MNPV and Anagrapha falcifera (celery looper) MNPV. The 3 baculoviruses were compared with each other and characterized by restriction endonuclease (REN) analysis, hybridization, and neutralization tests. Fragmentation profiles generated by REN showed that the 3 baculoviruses shared some fragments in common. Hybridization studies employing digoxigenin labeled PxMNPVCL3 DNA as a probe revealed the close but distinct relationship of these 3 viruses. Neutralization tests confirmed the hybridization studies, namely that the 3 viruses although genetically similar are distinguishable from each other.
Insights
A new diamondback moth virus, PxMNPVCL3, shows high pathogenicity to multiple pests. This multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (MNPV) is more potent than other broad-spectrum baculoviruses against the diamondback moth.
Area of Science:
- * Entomology
- * Virology
- * Molecular Biology
Background:
- * Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is a significant agricultural pest.
- * Baculoviruses are insect-specific viruses used in biological control.
- * Characterization of novel baculovirus isolates is crucial for developing targeted pest management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To describe and characterize a new baculovirus isolate, PxMNPVCL3, from Plutella xylostella.
- * To evaluate the pathogenicity of PxMNPVCL3 against various lepidopteran pests.
- * To compare PxMNPVCL3 with other known baculoviruses using molecular techniques.
Main Methods:
- * Isolation and plaque purification of baculovirus from infected P. xylostella larvae.
- * Pathogenicity assays on different insect species to determine LC50 values.
- * Restriction endonuclease (REN) analysis, DNA hybridization, and neutralization tests for genetic comparison.
Main Results:
- * PxMNPVCL3 is a multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (MNPV) pathogenic to P. xylostella and other pest larvae, with P. xylostella being the most susceptible (LC50 = 6 OB/cm²).
- * PxMNPVCL3 demonstrated significantly higher pathogenicity against P. xylostella compared to two broad-spectrum MNPVs.
- * REN analysis, hybridization, and neutralization tests indicated that PxMNPVCL3 is closely related but distinct from Autographa californica MNPV and Anagrapha falcifera MNPV.
Conclusions:
- * PxMNPVCL3 represents a potent new baculovirus isolate for controlling diamondback moths and potentially other lepidopteran pests.
- * Genetic characterization confirms PxMNPVCL3 as a distinct MNPV isolate.
- * The findings support the development of PxMNPVCL3 as a specific biopesticide in integrated pest management programs.
