Environmental Entomology (1992) 21, 210-213

C.M. Ignoffo and C. Garcia (1992)
Combinations of environmental factors and simulated sunlight affecting, activity of inclusion bodies of the Heliothis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) nucleopolyhedrosis virus
Environmental Entomology 21 (1), 210-213
Abstract: When polyhedral inclusion bodies (PIB) of the singly embedded nucleo-polyhedrosis virus of Heliothis, Baculovirus hehothis (HzSNPV), were exposed in water to simulated sunlight, there was about a 90% loss of its original viral activity, and the PIB were ~ 3 times more sensitive than dry PIB. The pH (at 3, 6, or 9) of the suspension had no significant effect on the extent of inactivation of PIB by simulated sunlight. Temperature of exposure (10, 22, 35, or 50°C) also had no effect.on sensitivity of PIB exposed to simulated sunlight. Normally encountered field temperatures or pH, or both, coupled with exposure to sunlight, should not adversely affect the stability of PIB of HzSNPV. Presence of free water, however, can significantly increase the extent of PIB inactivation by sunlight.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Helicoverpa zea
Helicoverpa zea single nucleopolyhedrovirus (entomopathogen)	Helicoverpa zea