Cydia pomonella granulovirus, pronounced /ˈsɪdiə pɒˈmɒnɛlə ˌɡrænjuːloʊvaɪrəs/, is a type of virus that infects the codling moth, a major pest in apple orchards. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to accurately represent the pronunciation of each individual sound. The first two syllables, "cydia" and "pomonella", are straightforward, while "granulovirus" is made up of four syllables, with an emphasis on the third syllable "lo". The IPA transcription allows for precise pronunciation and effective communication in scientific settings.
Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) is a type of virus that specifically targets the codling moth, an economically significant pest in apple and pear orchards. It belongs to the family Baculoviridae and the genus Granulovirus.
CpGV is a naturally occurring virus that has shown potential as a biological control agent for managing codling moth populations. It is commonly used in integrated pest management strategies as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
The virus primarily infects the larval stage of the codling moth by oral ingestion. Once inside the insect's gut, CpGV releases its viral particles, called occlusion bodies, which are made up of viral proteins and the virus itself. These occlusion bodies break down, releasing the active virus that spreads and replicates within the insect's tissues.
CpGV infection can cause various detrimental effects on the codling moth larvae. It disrupts their feeding, induces paralysis, and leads to extensive internal damage, ultimately resulting in the death of the infected insect. The virus is highly specific to codling moths and generally does not harm beneficial insect species or humans.
CpGV has been successfully used as a biological control method in many orchards worldwide, reducing the need for chemical insecticides. It has a favorable safety profile, minimal impact on non-target organisms, and no known cases of resistance development. Continued research and implementation of CpGV-based strategies contribute to sustainable pest management practices in agricultural systems.