Heliothis Cytoplasmic Polyhedrosis Virus and Its Effect upon Microbial Contaminant-Free Heliothis virescens

Abstract

Cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (CPV) of Heliothis is infectious to all larval instars except prepupal. Three, 4-, 5-, and 6-day-old larvae were more susceptible to CPV infection than older larvae. Among neonate, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-day-old larvae, the period to pupation was significantly longer in CPV-infected larvae than in controls. Pupation time of larvae infected at an older age was not different from controls. Neonate, 1-, 2-, and 3-day-old larvae treated with CPV required more time to reach the adult stage than controls. In general, the use of contaminant-free insects provides a lower mortality rate when exposed to Heliothis CPV. Both CPV-infected males and females transmit virus to the F 1 generation.