Iridoviruses

Ecology of baculoviruses

Virus insecticides

Spinosad

Mosquitoes blackflies & ticks

Predators, parasitoids, pathogens

Others

Students

Español

Do geological characteristics influence the presence of baculovirus populations in soil? (click here for PDF reprints on baculovirus ecology)
 

A laboratory study by Christian et al. (2006) has suggested that certain minerals may influence the stability of insect pathogenic viruses, particularly occluded viruses such as nucleopolyhedroviruses and granuloviruses (Family Baculoviridae).

In the present study the presence of Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV) was quantified by a diet incorporation bioassay developed by Richards & Christian (1999. J. Virol. Meth. 82, 63-75).

The map below shows the distribution of virus-positive and negative soil samples in relation to the geology of the sample site.  The study was performed in collaboration with Andy Richards (CSIRO), Peter Christian (NIBSC) and Guadalupe Melo Molina (Instituto Tecnológico de Tuxtla Gutiérrez). A formal analysis of these results is currently being undertaken.

Distribution of Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV) in soils from maize fields in southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.  Positive samples (green dots) for virus occlusion bodies (OBs) and negative samples (blue dots) are shown in relation to the geological characteristics of the sample site. [Map designed by H. Weissenberger, ECOSUR, LAIGE ]

Return to the page on the ecology of baculovirus occlusion bodies in soil.
 

Click here for baculovirus ecology publications
 

Español