Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: 01 Jan 2001

Prevalence of Viral Diseases of the Fruittree Leafroller, Archips argyrospila (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in Louisiana

,
, and
Page Range: 17 – 22
DOI: 10.18474/0749-8004-36.1.17
Save
Download PDF

A nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) and a granulovirus (GV) were found infecting field populations of fruittree leafroller, Archips argyrospila (Walker), larvae in Louisiana. Both viruses were recovered from infected larvae at 7 of 8 widely separated sampling sites. Additionally, a small proportion (<5%) of the larvae (maximum 10.2%) had double infections. Overall, infection rates ranged from 0 to 24.4 percent and were statistically correlated with defoliation and host population levels in a positive, density-dependent manner. It appears that though high populations and warm temperatures favor development of a widespread epizootic, the leaf rolls (shelters) protect larvae from contamination at low to moderate population levels. At outbreak larval densities, the rates of viral prevalence approached 25 percent, and the viruses, coupled with other natural control factors may, in time, become effective in population control.

Copyright: © 2001 Georgia Entomological Society, Inc.

Contributor Notes

2To whom offprint requests are to be addressed (email: rgoyer@unix1.sncc.lsu.edu).

3Current address: 609 Magdalene Lane #C, Indianapolis, IN 46224.

Received: 24 Jan 2000
Accepted: 23 Apr 2000
  • Download PDF