Deletion of the Lymantria dispar multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyl transferase gene enhances viral killing speed in the last instar of the gypsy moth

Jim Slavicek; Holly J.R. Popham; C.I. Riegel

doi:10.1006/bcon.1999.0734

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Deletion of the Lymantria dispar multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyl transferase gene enhances viral killing speed in the last instar of the gypsy moth

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Jim Slavicek, Holly J.R. Popham, C.I. Riegel

Year:

1999

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1006/bcon.1999.0734

Source:

Biological Control. 16: 91-103.

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Abstract

The Lymantria dispar multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV) is used on a limited basis as a gypsy moth (L. dispar) control agent. In an effort to improve the efficacy (i.e., killing speed) of the LdMNPV, we generated a recombinant viral strain (vEGT-) that does not produce the enzyme ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyltransferase (EGT). We compared the potency and efficacy of vEGT- to wild-type virus (A21-MPV) and the impact of vEGT- and A21-MPV on larval weight gain. Bioassay of L. dispar 1st, 4th, and 5th instars showed no significant difference in the LC₅₀ values in larvae infected with vEGT- or A21-MPV.

Keywords

nucleopolyhedrovirus, baculovirus, Lymantria dispar, gypsy moth, viral efficacy ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyltransferase, biological control

Citation

Slavicek, James M.; Popham, Holly J.R.; Riegel, C.I. 1999. Deletion of the Lymantria dispar multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyl transferase gene enhances viral killing speed in the last instar of the gypsy moth. Biological Control. 16: 91-103.