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Primary infection of insect tracheae by Autographa californica M nuclear polyhedrosis virus

B A Kirkpatrick1, J O Washburn, E K Engelhard

  • 1Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley 94720.

Virology
|August 15, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Insect viruses can now infect insects through their spiracles, bypassing the gut. This direct tracheal infection is faster and more effective, potentially aiding pest control and natural virus spread.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Insect Pathology
  • Entomology

Background:

  • Autographa californica M nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) infections disseminate via insect tracheae.
  • Tracheae are key components of the insect respiratory system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate direct tracheal infection of insects by AcMNPV.
  • To explore infection initiation via spiracles, the external openings of the tracheal system.

Main Methods:

  • Direct application of viral inoculum to insect spiracles.
  • Exposure of insects to viral aerosols.
  • Comparison of infection rates and speed via oral vs. direct tracheal routes.

Main Results:

  • Infection can be initiated directly through spiracles via application or aerosol.
  • Direct tracheal infections advance more rapidly than oral infections.
  • Insects refractory to oral infection are susceptible to direct tracheal infection.

Conclusions:

  • Spiracles provide a direct route for baculovirus infection, bypassing the midgut.
  • Direct tracheal infection via aerosol may be a significant factor in natural baculovirus epizootics.
  • Findings support baculovirus optimization as pest control agents through enhanced delivery methods.

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