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Cricket Paralysis Virus, a Potential Control Agent for the Olive Fruit Fly, Dacus oleae Gmel
1Natural Environment Research Council, Institute of Virology, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SR, United Kingdom, and Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Cricket paralysis virus (CrPV) replicates in olive fruit flies, causing high mortality and transmission through feces. This insect virus shows potential for pest control applications.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Virology
- Pest Management
Background:
- The olive fruit fly (Dacus oleae Gmel.) is a significant agricultural pest.
- Investigating insect viruses for biocontrol is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the pathogenicity and replication of various insect viruses in Dacus oleae.
- To identify potential viral agents for biological control of the olive fruit fly.
Main Methods:
- Testing viruses from multiple families (e.g., picornaviruses, iridoviruses) for growth in adult Dacus oleae.
- Administering cricket paralysis virus (CrPV) orally to flies and monitoring mortality.
- Confirming CrPV replication and identity using cell culture, protein analysis, and immunoprecipitation.
Main Results:
- Cricket paralysis virus (CrPV) and an iridovirus replicated in adult olive fruit flies.
- Oral exposure to CrPV resulted in high mortality rates (50% within 5 days, 80% within 12 days).
- CrPV transmission was observed via fecal contamination between flies.
Conclusions:
- Cricket paralysis virus (CrPV) is pathogenic and transmissible in the olive fruit fly.
- CrPV demonstrates potential as a biological control agent against Dacus oleae.