Vertical transmission of Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) is a common feature in field S. exigua populations. To assess whether the gender affect to transgenerational virus transmission or distribution four mating groups were performed: i) healthy males (H♂) × healthy females (H♀); ii) infected males (I♂) × healthy females (H♀); iii) healthy males (H♂) × infected females (I♀) and iv) infected males (I♂) × infected females (I♀). These adults and their offspring were analyzed by qPCR to detect SeMNPV infection. Both males and females were able to transmit the infection to the next generation, although females infected high percentage of the offspring and their transmission was more stable and consistent. Venereal transmission is not likely to occur, and the main route of transmission seems transovarial more than transovum. The prevalence of the infection in the offspring did not vary according to gender, therefore both males and females can be infected by their parents in similar proportion. In conclusion, SeMNPV vertical transmission occurs by paternal and maternal via, while females transmission is more consistent. This route of transmission can improve the development of the bioinsecticides based in NPVs.

Trabajo presentado en el IOBC-WPRS Working Group Insect Pathogens and Insect Parasitic Nematodes, celebrado en Zagreb del 16 al 20 de junio de 2013.

Peer Reviewed