Microbial control of crop pests using insect viruses.

Abstract

Abstract Occluded viruses are observed in three virus families: (i) Baculoviridae (baculoviruses); (ii) Reoviridae (cypovirus); and (iii) Poxviridae (entomopox viruses). In addition to these occluded viruses, rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) nudivirus and iridoviruses have also been used as pest control agents. A brief introduction to these different groups of viruses is given in this chapter. Because of their high host specificity, high efficacy, safety to nontarget organisms and ease of use, research and development of insect viruses as microbial control agents has been predominantly driven forward for baculoviruses. Therefore, the application of baculoviruses (including genetically engineered baculoviruses) as pest control agents will be the main topic of this chapter. Examples of successful implementation are given: (i) control of Anticarsia gemmatalis using AgMNPV, (ii) control of Helicoverpa armigera in China using HearNPV, and (iii) control of Cydia pomonella using CpGV. The development of field resistance to a baculovirus product as a new challenge is described. Future prospects are mentioned.