Evaluation of the insecticidal efficacy of wild-type and recombinant baculoviruses

Methods Mol Biol. 2007:388:379-404. doi: 10.1007/978-1-59745-457-5_20.

Abstract

A considerable amount of work has been done during the last 20 yr to genetically enhance the efficacy of baculovirus insecticides. Following construction of a genetically altered baculovirus, laboratory bioassays are used to quantify various parameters of insecticidal activity such as the median lethal concentration (or dose) required to kill 50% of infected larvae (LC50 or LD50), median survival time of larvae infected at a fixed dose (ST50), and feeding damage incurred by infected larvae. In this chapter, protocols are described for a variety of bioassays and corresponding data analyses for assessment of the insecticidal activity or host range of baculovirus insecticides. Methods are also provided for baculovirus inoculation of larvae using a microapplicator for determining ST50 or for examining physiological effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Baculoviridae / genetics
  • Baculoviridae / growth & development
  • Baculoviridae / metabolism*
  • Biological Assay / methods
  • Genotype
  • Insecta / cytology
  • Insecta / genetics
  • Insecta / virology
  • Insecticides / metabolism*
  • Larva / cytology
  • Larva / genetics
  • Larva / virology
  • Pest Control, Biological / methods*
  • Recombination, Genetic*

Substances

  • Insecticides