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How to collect and process large polyhedral viruses of insects

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Polyhedral viruses have proved highly effective and very practical for control of certain pine sawflies; and a method of collecting and processing the small polyhedra (5 microns or less) characteristic of sawflies has been described. There is experimental evidence that the virus diseases of many Lepidopterous insects can be used similarly for direct control. The polyhedra of most caterpillars, such as the gypsy moth and forest tent caterpillar, are larger (6 t o 15 microns) and the method of processing them for control use is somewhat simpler. The preparation of polyhedral material from the gypsy moth, Porthetria dispar (L), will be used as an example.

Citation

Rollinson, W. D.; Lewis, F. B. 1962. How to collect and process large polyhedral viruses of insects. Forest Research Note NE-130. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 1-6
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/13081