Autodissemination of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) granulosis virus by healthy adults

Healthy adult males of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) were contaminated with a freeze-dried powder formulation of a homologous granulosis virus (IMMGV) when attracted to a source by a pheromone lure. Surface contamination of males was transferred to adult females during copulation and larval food was subsequently contaminated by females during oviposition as well as by other adult activities. Both the F 1 and F 2 generations of larvae acquired patent infections of IMMGV, resulting in 60% and 50% mortality, respectively. Concurrent introduction of both sexes into the exposure room compared unfavorably with trials in which males were exposed for 24 hr before females were added. Only 16% mortality resulted in the F 1 progeny when males and females were exposed simultaneously. Cadaver feeding was found not to be significant. Although incidence of infection was not high when both sexes were introduced simulatenously, the results confirm previous indications that autodissemination may have potential for limited control of P. interpunctella.