Viruses to kill insects

Scientists at the Institute of Virology in Oxford, Great Britain, have come up with a number of baculoviruses which can be used to combat crop-devouring insects. These viruses are added to sugar solutions which, once absorbed by the larvae, immediately kill them. These techniques have proved very useful in Papua New Guinea where several species of Tussock moth have ravaged pine plantations, as well as in many countries of Asia and the Pacific where palm and coconut trees are attacked by beetles of the genus Rhinoceros. Attention is now turning to insects which damage rice, particularly the brown plant hopper, as well as several species of moth, leaf folder caterpillars and Spodoptera. For further information: NERC News Journal Sept 85 National Environment Research Council North Star Avenue Swindon Wilts 2N2 1 EU GREAT BRITAINScientists at the Institute of Virology in Oxford, Great Britain, have come up with a number of baculoviruses which can be used to combat crop-devouring insects. These viruses are added to sugar solutions which, once absorbed by the larvae,..