Molecular biology of baculovirus and its use in biological control in Brazil

Authors

  • Maria Elita Batista de Castro
  • Marlinda Lobo de Souza
  • William Sihler
  • Júlio Carlyne Macedo Rodrigues
  • Bergmann Morais Ribeiro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-3921.pab1999.v34.5499

Keywords:

<i>Nucleopolyhedrovirus</i>, AgNPV, <i>Anticarsia gemmatalis</i>, baculovirus replication, gene expression, viral insecticide

Abstract

Baculoviruses are insect viruses found mainly in Lepidoptera. The family Baculoviridae is taxonomically divided in two genera, Nucleopolyhedrovirus and Granulovirus, which differ by occlusion body morphology. NPVs (Nucleopolyhedroviruses) have polyhedrical inclusion bodies (PIBs) containing multiple viral particles, while GVs (Granuloviruses) appear to be generally single particles occluded in oval shaped occlusion bodies. During the life cycle, two different viral progenies are produced: BV (Budded Virus) and PDV (Polyhedra Derived Virus), which are essential for the infectious process and virus propagation in host cells. Baculoviruses are being used for pest control and they are especially safe due to their specificity and invertebrate-restricted host range. Baculoviruses have been used as vectors for high level protein expression of heterologous genes from prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Also, recombinant DNA techniques have allowed the production of genetically modified viral insecticides. This study is a review on the taxonomy, structure, replication and molecular biology of baculoviruses, as well as their use as bioinsecticides in Brazil.

Published

1999-10-01

How to Cite

Castro, M. E. B. de, Souza, M. L. de, Sihler, W., Rodrigues, J. C. M., & Ribeiro, B. M. (1999). Molecular biology of baculovirus and its use in biological control in Brazil. Pesquisa Agropecuaria Brasileira, 34(10), 1733–1761. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-3921.pab1999.v34.5499

Issue

Section

SPECIAL COLLABORATION