Histopathological and ultrastructural impacts of nuclear polyhedrosis virus on infected tissues of the leopard moth Zeuzera pyrina (Lepidoptera : Cossidae)‎ using transmission electron microscopy

Abstract EN

Leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is considered one of the most dangerous and destructive wood boring pests that attack several varieties of the horticultural fruit trees mainly the apple trees, Malus domestica B.

(Rosales: Rosacease).

In Egypt, this borer causes severe crop loss resulting in serious detrimental and economic damage thus continuous control trials are taken place aiming to avoid these key problems.

Through the ongoing study surveying visits were done to collect and sample the natural infected stage of this cossid borer.

Then a series of experiments was performed to isolate and trace of the viral pathogen which is identified as the Zeuzera pyrina nuclear polyhedrosis virus (ZPNPV).

Then testing the susceptibility of Z.

pyrina larvae to this virus was done at three different controlled temperatures (25±5°C) in the laboratory.

Screening tests revealed high mortality rates for the larval stage at 20°C recording 85.7±0.38 %.

Ultimate sequence of experiments was applied to conduct histopathological and ultrastructural studies using transmission electron microscopy.

Gained results showed severe malformation and distortion of the mid-gut cells confirming the susceptibility of Z.

pyrina to the nuclear polyhedrosis viral infection and possibility of ZPNPV to be applied within the control programs of this cossid borer.

It is concluded that Z.

pyrina revealed a definite susceptibility to the infection with ZPNPV and it is highly provoked to be involved in the integrated pest management programs against this dangerous moth.