Isolation and Study of a Virus from Insect Parasitoid Wasps
Author Information
Author(s): Grasela James J., McIntosh Arthur H., Shelby Kent S., Long Steve
Primary Institution: Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS
Hypothesis
What is the identity and relationship of the baculovirus isolated from parasitized Trichoplusia ni larvae?
Conclusion
The study identified a new baculovirus variant, TnMNPV/CmBCL9, which is highly infectious to certain lepidopteran larvae.
Supporting Evidence
- TnMNPV/CmBCL9 was highly infectious for Heliothis subflexa and T. ni.
- The LC50 value for TnMNPV/CmBCL9 was 0.07 occlusion bodies/mm2 for both T. ni and H. subflexa.
- Restriction endonuclease analysis showed TnMNPV/CmBCL9 was closely related to AfMNPV.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicated TnMNPV/CmBCL9 is a variant of AcMNPV and AfMNPV.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new virus that can make caterpillars sick after being stung by a wasp. This virus can help control pest populations in agriculture.
Methodology
The virus was isolated from infected larvae, plaque purified, and its infectivity was tested on various lepidopteran species.
Limitations
The study did not confirm the presence of a latent virus in the T. ni colony despite attempts to activate it.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 35 early 3rd instar T. ni larvae.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.07
Confidence Interval
106 ± 2.5 kbp
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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