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Alternative Routes for the Horizontal Transmission of a Nucleopolyhedrovirus
1Ecology and Biocontrol Group, NERC Institute of Virology and Environmental Microbiology, Oxford, OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Cannibalism is an unlikely transmission route for Mamestra brassicae nucleopolyhedrovirus. Infected larvae shed viable virus before death via feces or regurgitation, leading to significant mortality in healthy larvae.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Virology
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) are significant pathogens of insects, impacting agriculture.
- Understanding NPV transmission routes is crucial for developing effective biocontrol strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate two alternative transmission routes for Mamestra brassicae nucleopolyhedrovirus (MbNPV).
- To determine the relevance of larval cannibalism versus pre-mortem virus shedding for MbNPV transmission.
Main Methods:
- Mamestra brassicae larvae were experimentally infected with MbNPV.
- Cannibalism frequency was observed.
- Virus shedding via defecation and regurgitation was assessed.
- Larval exposure to contaminated diet and plant surfaces was evaluated through bioassays.
Main Results:
- Low frequency of cannibalism observed, suggesting it's not a primary transmission route for MbNPV.
- Infected larvae shed viable MbNPV in feces and regurgitate before death.
- Significant mortality (>40%) occurred in larvae exposed to contaminated diet.
- Virus transfer to plant surfaces (cabbages) was confirmed before host death.
Conclusions:
- Pre-mortem shedding of viable nucleopolyhedrovirus by infected larvae is a significant transmission route.
- This shedding contaminates the environment, leading to infection of healthy individuals.
- Cannibalism plays a minor role in MbNPV transmission in Mamestra brassicae.