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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mayaguez, Puerto Rico » Tropical Crops and Germplasm Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #214325
Title: Iridovirus infection of Phyllophaga vandinei (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Author
item Jenkins, David
item Hunter, Wayne
item CRESPO, ARNELIS - GRAD STUDENT, UNIV OF PR
item Vargas Santiago, Elkin

Submitted to: Entomology Society America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/8/2007
Publication Date: 12/11/2007
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.