Journal of Pest Science (2019) 92, 885-893

Laila Gasmi, Ada Frattini, Mylène Ogliastro and Salvador Herrero (2019)
Outcome of mixed DNA virus infections on Spodoptera exigua susceptibility to SeMNPV
Journal of Pest Science 92 (2), 885-893
Abstract: Baculovirus-based biopesticides have been developed for an efficient control of lepidopteran pests; however, very few studies have assessed the effect of other viral microorganisms that might coexist with the applied baculovirus pesticide. Systematic studies are needed to predict the effect of such microorganisms on the baculovirus efficacy following application in the field. In this context, we examined the effect of a sublethal doses of the DNA virus Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDV) on the infectivity of the Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) when infecting the same host, Spodoptera exigua. In our experimental conditions, the infection timing was critical for the mixed infection outcome. The consecutive infections with SeMNPV and later with JcDV did not affect the larval mortality or the measured infection parameters compared with single infection with the baculovirus. However, when larvae were first infected with JcDV, a clear antagonism was detected between both viruses and resulted in a patent reduction in viral pathogenicity and deleterious effects observed in the SeMNPV progeny. On the other hand, the simultaneous infection with both viruses led to an additive effect of the mortalities caused by the two viruses. Our results reveal that temporal order of the infection with one or the other virus affects the outcome of mixed viral infections on the targeted pest and may influence the ecology of baculovirus and its use as biological insecticide.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: English)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Salvador Herrero

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Spodoptera exigua
Alphabaculovirus spexiguae (entomopathogen)	Spodoptera exigua