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Protocols for Investigating the Host-tissue Distribution, Transmission-mode, and Effect on the Host Fitness of a Densovirus in the Cotton Bollworm
Published on: April 12, 2017
Characterization of three ascovirus isolates from cotton insects
Xiao-Wen Cheng1, Lihua Wang, Gerald R Carner
1Department of Microbiology, 32 Pearson Hall, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA. Chengx@muohio.edu
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
|July 26, 2005
Summary
Three novel ascoviruses were found in cotton fields, impacting insect behavior. Phylogenetic and genetic analyses revealed distinct relationships among these insect pathogens, suggesting potential new species and variants.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Entomology
- * Molecular Biology
Background:
- * Ascoviruses are insect pathogens affecting various arthropod species.
- * Previous research has identified ascoviruses in different lepidopteran hosts.
- * Understanding ascovirus diversity is crucial for biological control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To identify and characterize novel ascovirus isolates from lepidopteran larvae in South Carolina cotton fields.
- * To determine the genetic relatedness and phylogenetic positions of new ascovirus isolates.
- * To investigate the impact of ascovirus infection on the behavior of Helicoverpa zea larvae.
Main Methods:
- * Isolation and identification of ascovirus from insect larvae.
- * Restriction endonuclease (REN) profiling for genetic comparison.
- * DNA hybridization studies to assess genetic similarity.
- * Sequencing of major capsid protein (MCP) and delta DNA polymerase genes.
- * Phylogenetic analysis using sequence data.
- * Southern and Western blot analyses for HvAV-3f and SeAV-5a comparison.
- * Field observations of insect behavior and infection levels.
Main Results:
- * Three new ascovirus isolates (TnAV-2c, TnAV-2d, HvAV-3f) were discovered in cotton fields.
- * TnAV-2c and TnAV-2d showed similar REN profiles, while HvAV-3f was distinct from SeAV-5a but closely related via DNA hybridization.
- * Sequence analysis of MCP and DNA polymerase genes indicated novel isolates.
- * Phylogenetic analysis placed TnAV-2c distantly from other lepidopteran ascoviruses.
- * HvAV-3f and SeAV-5a were suggested to be variants of the same species.
- * High infection rates (up to 74%) of TnAV-2 in H. zea were observed, altering larval feeding behavior.
Conclusions:
- * The discovery of novel ascoviruses expands the known diversity of these insect pathogens.
- * Genetic and phylogenetic analyses provide insights into ascovirus evolution and speciation.
- * Ascovirus infection significantly impacts host behavior, with implications for pest management in cotton agroecosystems.
