G. FEDIERE, A.A. TAHA, X. LERY, J. GIANNOTTI, J.L. ZEDDAM, A. MONSARRAT AND S. ABOL-ELA.
Entomovirology laboratory - ORSTOM - Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University , Giza , Egypt .

ABSTRACT

A small RNA virus was isolated from larvae of the maize stem borer Sesamia cretica Lederer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) . Some properties of this virus (Maize Stem Borer Virus : MSBV ) have been studied. Electron microscopic observations of the purified suspention showed the presence of non-envelopped isometric viral particles. 30 nm in diameter. The viral genome was composed of RNA, the virus capsid contained three major proteins ( VP!, VP3, VP4) with molecular weights of 60 000, 45 000 and 28 000 as well as one minor (VP2) with molecular weight of 58 000 daltons . Immunodiffusion tests showed that MSBV was serologically unrelated to certain insect Picorna-like viruses. This new virus could be provisionally arranged among the unclassified small RNA viruses of invertebrates and represents a great interst as a biological control agent.

ey Words: Sesamia cretica . Noctuidae RNA virus. Biocontrol agent