Group Group I (dsDNA) Family Baculoviridae Higher classification Betabaculovirus | Order Unassigned Genus Betabaculovirus Rank Species | |
Scientific name Betabaculovirus cydia pomonella granulovirus Similar Baculoviridae, Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus, Codling moth, Cydia, Betabaculovirus | ||
Cydia pomonella granulosis virus (CpGV) is a granulovirus belonging to the family Baculoviridae. It has a double-stranded DNA genome that is 123,500 base pairs in length with 143 ORFs. The virus forms small bodies called granules containing a single virion. CpGV is a virus of invertebrates – specifically Cydia pomonella or the Codling moth. CpGV is highly pathogenic, it is known as a fast GV – that is, one that will kill its host in the same instar as infection; thus, it is frequently used as a biological pesticide.
CpGV in pest control
C. pomonella has proved to be a problematic pest on several fruit trees, including apples and pears. The caterpillars burrow into the fruit, rendering it un-sellable. Traditional insecticides are of limited use, as some strains have acquired resistance to several insecticides.
CpGV has been shown to kill many of the larvae of C. pomonella in trials without having adverse effects on humans or other animals, thanks to the specific nature of the virus. Also, no development of resistance was observed.
The first CpGV strain, isolated in Mexico, has been commercially formulated into biological pesticides such as Madex (Andermatt Biocontrol AG), Carpovirusine (NPP/Arysta LifeScience) and Cyd-X (Certis). Due to the continued use of CpGV in the field, populations resistant to the Mexican strain of C. pomonella have been identified. New strains which are able to manage resistant codling moth populations have been developed. These strains are commercialized by NPP/Arysta LifeScience into Carpovirusine Evo 2 and by Andermatt Biocontrol AG into Madex Max and Madex Plus.