ARS | Publication request: Iridovirus infection of Phyllophaga vandinei (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Submitted to: Entomology Society America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 8, 2007
Publication Date: December 11, 2007
Citation: Jenkins, D.A., Hunter, W.B., Crespo, A., Vargas Santiago, E.H. 2007. Iridovirus infection of Phyllophaga vandinei (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Entomology Society America Annual Meeting, P. 7.

Interpretive Summary: Adult Phyllophaga vandinei (scarab beetles) were injected with a virus inoculum (iridovirus) and their behavior was monitored and compared with adults injected with a buffer solution and with adults receiving no injections. Infection was confirmed using PCR on tissue from dead adults. Infected adults experienced higher mortality (25%) than buffer injected adults (7%) and control adults (8%) and consumed less plant material than the buffer injected adults and control adults. This is the first report of iridovirus infection in this species of scarab and may be a viable means of biological control against this pest of tropical fruit trees.

Technical Abstract: Thirty male and 30 female Phyllophaga vandinei adults were injected with iridovirus inoculum and their behavior monitored and compared to 30 male and 30 female adults injected with a buffer solution and 30 male and 30 female adults receiving no injections. Infection was confirmed using PCR on tissue from dead adults. Infected adults experienced higher mortality (25%) than buffer injected adults (7%) and control adults (8%) and consumed less plant material than the buffer injected adults and control adults. This is the first report of iridovirus infection in this species of scarab and may be a viable means of biological control against this pest.