Persistence of Heliothis Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus on Cotton Plant Parts 12

Abstract

Persistence of Heliothis nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) on cotton foliage under field conditions has been reported (Bullock 1967, Ignoffo and Batzer 1971, Ignoffo et al. 1972, Young and Yearian 1974). These studies show that virus on the upper surface of mature leaves is rapidly degraded with little activity remaining after 24 h. Little is known, however, of persistence of this virus at other locations on cotton. Since solar irradiation has been shown to be the primary factor responsible for loss of viral activity under field conditions (Bullock 1967, Jacques 1968, David et al. 1968, Smirnoff 1972), virus persistence might be greater at more protected locations on the plant. This study reports on persistence of the Heliothis NPV at different locations on the cotton plant.