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Selection of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses as biological control agents ofSpodoptera exigua [Lep.: Noctuidae]

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Abstract

The virulence of 5 nuclear polyhedrosis viruses infectious for larvae of beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua, was studied and their potential as biological control agents of this accidentally introduced pest in Dutch greenhouse crops is discussed. Three of the virus isolates were collected from deceased beet armyworm larvae found in Dutch greenhouses. Based on restriction endonuclease patterns of their DNA they appeared to be closely related toMamestra brassicae nuclear polyhedrosis virus (MbMNPV) and therefore were named MbMNPV-NL80, MbMNPV-NL82 and MbMNPV-NL83. These isolates were not related toAutographa californica MNPV (AcMNPV) or toSpodoptera exigua MNPV (SeMNPV), both originating from the USA.

Comparison of the oiological activity of these 5 isolates showed that the SeMNPV was more virulent against beet armyworm than the other isolates. There was no significant difference in virulence between MbMNPV-NL80, NL82, NL83 and AcMNPV forS. exigua. The LD-50 values of the 5 isolates for 2nd instar larvae were 3, 26, 14, 17 and 18 polyhedra, respectively. Despite compensating qualities of the other MNPVs, such as a broader host range and potential production in alternate hosts or cell-lines, SeMNPV is considered to be the most suitable candidate as biological control agent of beet armyworm.

Résumé

La virulence de 5 virus à polyèdres nucléaires à capside multiple (MNPV) contre les chenilles deSpodoptera exigua a été comparée. Trois NPV ont été isolés de chenilles mortes, trouvées dans des serres aux Pays-Bas. A partir des analyses de DNA par des enzymes de restriction il est conclu que ces 3 NPV sont apparentés aux MNPV deMamestra brassicae et sont nommés MbMNPV-NL80, MbMNPV-NL82 et MbNPV-NL83. Ces MNPVs ne sont pas apparentés au MNPV d'Autographa california (AcMNPV), ni à celui deS. exigua (SeMNPV).

SeMNPV est environ 5 fois plus virulent contre les chenilles du 2e stade larvaire deS. exigua que les autres MNPV qui ont des activité biologiques comparables entre elles. Les DL-50 de SeMNPV, AcMNPV, MbMNPV-NL80, NL82 et NL83 sont 3, 18, 26, 14 et 17 polyèdres, respectivement. On en conclut que le SeMNPV est le meilleur candidat pour l'utilisation dans un programme de lutte biologique contreS. exigua dans des serres aux Pays-Bas.

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  1. P. H. Smits

    Present address: Research Institute for Plant Protection, Binnenhaven 12, P.O. Box 9060, 6700 GW, Wageningen, the Netherlands

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Virology, Agricultural University, Binnenhaven 11, P.O. Box 8045, 6700 EM, Wageningen

    P. H. Smits & J. M. Vlak

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  1. P. H. Smits
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  2. J. M. Vlak
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Smits, P.H., Vlak, J.M. Selection of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses as biological control agents ofSpodoptera exigua [Lep.: Noctuidae]. Entomophaga 33, 299–308 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02372619

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