An RNA virus in Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis preparations: Detection and identification

A 35-nm RNA virus of Trichoplusia ni (TRV) was detected in preparations of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV). In comparisons of methods of detection of TRV (gel electrophoresis, sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and serology), the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was the most sensitive method for quantitative detection of the contaminant virus in infected larvae and AcMNPV preparations. A scheme is proposed for the detection of contaminant viruses in NPVs being developed for biological control.