Virology Journal (2010) 7 (143) - Insecticidal activity of two ...

Aline Welzel Gramkow, Simone Perecmanis, Raul Lima Barbosa Sousa, Eliane Ferreira Noronha, Carlos Roberto Felix, Tatsuya Nagata and Bergmann Morais Ribeiro (2010)
Insecticidal activity of two proteases against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae infected with recombinant baculoviruses
Virology Journal 7 (143)
Abstract: Background
Baculovirus comprise the largest group of insect viruses most studied worldwide, mainly because they efficiently kill agricutural insect pests. In this study, two recombinant baculoviruses containing the ScathL gene from Sarcophaga peregrina (vSynScathL), and the Keratinase gene from the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (vSynKerat), were constructed. and their insecticidal properties analysed against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae.
Results
Bioassays of third-instar and neonate S. frugiperda larvae with vSynScathL and vSynKerat showed a decrease in the time needed to kill the infected insects when compared to the wild type virus. We have also shown that both recombinants were able to increase phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph of S. frugiperda larvae. The expression of proteases in infected larvae resulted in destruction of internal tissues late in infection, which could be the reason for the increased viral speed of kill.
Conclusions
Baculoviruses and their recombinant forms constitute viable alternatives to chemical insecticides. Recombinant baculoviruses containing protease genes can be added to the list of engineered baculoviruses with great potential to be used in integrated pest management programs.
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Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Tatsuya Nagata, Bergmann Morais Ribeiro

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
genetical engin./transgenic plants

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Spodoptera frugiperda
Alphabaculovirus aucalifonicae (entomopathogen)	Spodoptera frugiperda