Persistence of neodiprion sertifer hymenoptera diprionidae nuclear polyhedrosis virus on pinus contorta foliage
Kaupp, W.J.
Canadian Entomologist 115(7): 869-874
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-347X
DOI: 10.4039/ent115869-7
Accession: 006089130
The presistence of Neodiprion sertifer nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) on P. contorta foliage samples collected from sawfly infested plantations located throughout Britain was studied. Sawfly density and disease epizootiology varied between localities. Results from the bioassay of branch samples, divided into bark, needle base and foliage samples, indicated that Neodiprion sertifer NPV produced during a single virus epizootic can persist for at least 2 yr on the pine foliage. Bark and needle base samples were contaminated with NPV more often than foliage samples, perhaps reflecting the effect of weathering on the persistence of virus on the needle surface.