Cydia pomonella granulosis virus

Cydia pomonella granulovirus
Virus classification
Group:	Group I (dsDNA)
Order:	Unassigned
Family:	Baculoviridae
Genus:	Betabaculovirus
Species:	Cydia pomonella granulovirus

Cydia pomonella granulosis virus (CpGV) is a granulovirus belonging to the family Baculoviridae. It has a double-stranded DNA genome that is 123,500 base pairs in length with 143 ORFs. The virus forms small bodies called granules containing a single virion. CpGV is a virus of invertebrates – specifically Cydia pomonella or the Codling moth. CpGV is highly pathogenic, it is known as a fast GV – that is, one that will kill its host in the same instar as infection; thus, it is frequently used as a biological pesticide.

CpGV in pest control

C. pomonella has proved to be a problematic pest on several fruit trees, including apples and pears. The caterpillars burrow into the fruit, rendering it un-sellable. Traditional insecticides are of limited use, as some strains have acquired resistance to several insecticides.

CpGV has been shown to kill many of the larvae of C. pomonella in trials without having adverse effects on humans or other animals, thanks to the specific nature of the virus. Also, no development of resistance was observed. Now it is known that several resistant populations occurred.

The Mexican strain of CpGV is available as commercial pesticides like MADEX (Andermatt Biocontrol AG), CARPOVIRUSINE (NPP/Arysta LifeScience) and CYD-X (Certis). New strains, which are able to manage resistant codling moth populations were developed. These strains are commercialized by NPP/Arysta LifeScience: CARPOVIRUSINE EVO 2 and Andermatt Biocontrol AG: MADEX MAX and MADEX PLUS.

• See also: biological insecticides

External links

• http://entomology.tfrec.wsu.edu/wopdmc/2003PDFs/Rep03%20Biocontrol%20Quenin.pdf
• http://www.advanllc.com/products/cyd-x/
• http://www.export.biocontrol.ch/sites/products/baculovirus_products/madex.html