Using African armyworm NPV as a strategic biological control agent: will studying pathogen ecology provide the answers?

R. I. Graham, D. Grzywacz, W. L. Mushobozi, J. S. Cory, A. D. Shirras, Y. Tummala, K. Wilson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The African armyworm Spodoptera exempta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most devastating agricultural pests in sub-Saharan Africa, destroying staple crops such as maize, wheat, sorghum, millet, rice and pasture grasses. We are interested in the ecology of a natural disease, S. exempta nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpexNPV), and examining how this virus may be utilised in a strategic control program. In this report, we describe preliminary findings from a single field-season, exploring the structure of natural overt SpexNPV populations; and the transmission strategies of the virus, specifically covert infections.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIOBC/WPRS Bulletin
Pages91-94
Volume45
Publication statusPrint publication - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameIOBC/WPRS Bulletin

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