Abstract
A very low incidence (<0.01%) of a blue iridovirus (IV) was found in larvae of the Japanese beetle,Popillia japonica Newman, that were sampled over a two year period on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal). In the most heavily infected larvae, a deep blue iridescence was observed, particularly in the fat body. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the characteristic crystalline arrays of the hexagonal virus particles in the cytoplasm of fat body cells, tracheal matrix, muscle, hypodermis and blood cells. Crystals of the virus particles were also observed freely circulating in the hemolymph. The average diameter of negatively stained purified virus particles was 157 nm. Similarities and differences with other IVs found in the Scarabaeidae are discussed. Considering the broad host range of some of the iridescent viruses, the relatively recent invasion of Terceira byP. japonica, and the rarity of the virus in the beetle, it is probable that the infection was the result of transmission from another species of soil-inhabiting arthropod. Its value as a potential biological control agent ofP. japonica is negligible.
Résumé
La présence très faible (<0.01%) d'un iridovirus bleu a été détectée dans les larves du ScarabéidePopillia japonica Newman, qui ont été prélevées au cours d'une période de deux années sur l'île de Terceira (Açores, Portugal). Chez les larves les plus fortement infestées, une iridescence d'un bleu profond était observée, particulièrement dans le corps gras. La microscopie électronique à transmission a permis de déceler les alignements cristallins caractéristiques formés par les particules hexagonales du virus dans le cytoplasme des cellules du corps gras, des trachées, des muscles, de l'hypoderme et des cellules sanguines. Les cristaux des particules de virus ont aussi été observés circulant librement dans l'hémolymphe. Le diamètre moyen des virus purifiés en coloration négative était de 157 nm. Les ressemblances et les différences avec d'autres iridovirus trouvés chez les Scarabaéidés sont discutées. Si l'on considère la vaste gamme d'hôtes de certains iridovirus, l'invasion relativement récente de Terceira parP. japonica, et la rareté du virus chez cet insecte, il est probable que l'infection résulte de la transmission à partir d'une autre espèce d'arthropodes vivant dans le sol. Son intérêt en tant qu'agent potentiel de lutte biologique contreP. japonica semble négligeable.
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Lacey, L.A., Adams, J.R. An iridescent virus fromPopillia japonica (Col.: Scarabaeidae) . Entomophaga 39, 131–136 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02372351
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02372351