In vitro host range studies with a new baculovirus isolate from the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.) (Plutellidae : Lepidoptera)

The in vitro most range of a newly isolated baculovirus from the diamondbac k moth Plutella xylostella was tested against six lepidopteran cell lines. Two baculoviruses with wide host ranges from the alfalfa looper Autographa californica (A. californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus, AcMNPV) and the celery looper Anagrapha falcifera (AfMNPV) were also included in this study for comparative purposes. PxMNPV replicated in all six cell lines and prod uced occlusion bodies, with HV-AM1 and TN-CL1 cells producing the highest v iral titers and greatest number of occlusion bodies. There was no significa nt replication of AcMNPV and AfMNPV in the HZ-FB33 cell line and thus no pr oduction of occlusion bodies. The restriction endonuclease profiles of the three baculoviruses showed similarities but could be readily distinguished from each other Either HV-AM1 or TN-CL1 would be suitable cell lines for th e in vitro production of PxMNPV.