The influence of herbivory and weather on the vital rates of two closely related cactus species

Herbivory has long been recognized as a significant driver of plant population dynamics, yet its effects along environmental gradients are unclear. Understanding how weather modulates plant–insect interactions can be particularly important for predicting the consequences of exotic insect invasions, and an explicit consideration of weather may help explain why the impact can vary greatly across space and time. We surveyed two native prickly pear cactus species (genus Opuntia) in the Florida panhandle, USA, and their specialist insect herbivores (the invasive South American cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, and three native insect species) for five years across six sites. We used generalized linear mixed models to assess the impact of herbivory and weather on plant relative growth rate (RGR) and sexual reproduction, and we used Fisher's exact test to estimate the impact of herbivory on survival. Weather variables (precipitation and temperature) were consistently significant predictors of vital rate variation for both cactus species, in contrast to the limited and varied impacts of insect herbivory. Weather only significantly influenced the impact of herbivory on Opuntia humifusa fruit production. The relationships of RGR and fruit production with precipitation suggest that precipitation serves as a cue in determining the trade‐off in the allocation of resources to growth or fruit production. The presence of the native bug explained vital rate variation for both cactus species, whereas the invasive moth explained variation only for O. stricta. Despite the inconsistent effect of herbivory across vital rates and cactus species, almost half of O. stricta plants declined in size, and the invasive insect negatively affected RGR and fruit production. Given that fruit production was strongly size‐dependent, this suggests that O. stricta populations at the locations surveyed are transitioning to a size distribution of predominantly smaller sizes and with reduced sexual reproduction potential.     

Temporal relationships betweenZea mays,ostrinia nubilalis (Lep.: Pyralidae) and endophyticBeauveria bassiana

The entomopathogenic fungus,Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, was applied to whorl-stage (V7) corn,Zea mays L., by foliar application of a granular formulation of corn grits containing conidia or by injection of a conidial suspension. All plants were infested with European corn borer larvae,Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), at the V7 (whorl), V12 (late-whorl), or V17 (pretassel) stage of plant development. Plants infested at whorl and late-whorl stages had significantly more European corn borer tunneling than did plants infested at the pretassel stage. The percentage of plants colonized byB. bassiana did not differ significantly among the whorl, late-whorl, and pretassel stages. As the plants matured,B. bassiana was isolated from different plant areas, with the pith more frequently colonized than the leaf collars. Foliar application ofB. bassiana provided immediate suppression ofO. nubilalis in those plants infested at whorl stage. The reduced efficacy ofB. bassiana at the intermediate plant stages relative to efficacy at harvest is discussed. The mention of firm names or trade products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other firms or similar products not mentioned.     

Oviposition site selection in Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera): constraints and compromises

Summary Oviposition by Cactoblastis cactorum on Opuntia ficus-indica and O. aurantiaca was assessed from the positioning of egg sticks on plants in the field. The number of egg sticks laid on O. ficus-indica plants was affected by: (1) plant size; (2) moth emergence near the plant; (3) cladode condition; and (4) plant conspicuousness. These factors contributed towards the clumping of egg sticks on plants. There was no apparent oviposition preference for one of the two host plant species despite the fact that egg predation was higher and fecundity lower on O. aurantiaca. The selection of a site for oviposition on the host plants was influenced by: (1) cladode condition; (2) height above ground; and (3) shelter from wind during oviposition. Succulent cladodes were the favoured sites for oviposition. The evidence suggests that in C. cactorum, oviposition site selection is largely the net result of a compromise between oviposition behaviour selected for increasing the probability of juvenile survival and oviposition behaviour selected for increasing the probability of laying the full complement of eggs. In addition, environmental and physiological factors such as wind and wing-loading, are thought to place constraints on the range of sites available for oviposition.     

Effect of temperature on survival, development and reproduction of the predatory lacewing Dichochrysa prasina (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) reared on Ephestia kuehniella eggs (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Preimaginal development and adult longevity and reproduction of Dichochrysa prasina Burmeister were studied at six constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 27, 30 and 33 °C) and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D). Eggs of the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) were used as food throughout preimaginal development, whereas the adults of D. prasina fed on a liquid diet of water, yeast hydrolysate, sugar and honey. At the highest tested temperature of 33 °C no larvae completed their development. At the rest of the tested temperatures the egg to adult developmental period ranged from approximately 92 days at 15 °C to 25 days at 30 °C. Percentages of adult emergence ranged from 36% at 15 °C to 84% at 30 °C. Both adult longevity and fecundity were significantly affected by temperature and the intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) reached its maximum value at 27 °C. These results could be useful for the establishment of a small scale rearing and mass production of D. prasina.     

Opposing forces of seed dispersal and seed predation by mammals for an invasive cactus in central Kenya

The invasive erect prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta) has reduced rangeland quality and altered plant communities throughout much of the globe. In central Kenya's Laikipia County, olive baboons (Papio anubis) frequently consume O. stricta fruits and subsequently disperse the seeds via defecation. Animal‐mediated seed dispersal can increase germination and subsequent survival of plants. However, consumption of seeds (seed predation) by rodents may offset the potential benefits of seed dispersal for cactus establishment by reducing the number of viable seeds. We investigated foraging preferences of a common and widely distributed small mammal—the fringe‐tailed gerbil (Gerbilliscus robustus), between O. stricta seeds deposited in baboon faeces versus control O. stricta seeds. In addition to providing evidence of seed predation on O. stricta by G. robustus, our data show that seed removal was higher (shorter time to use) for seeds within faeces than for control seeds. G. robustus clearly prefers seeds within faeces compared to control seeds. These results suggest that high abundances of rodents may limit successful establishment of O. stricta seeds, possibly disrupting seed dispersal via endozoochory by baboons.     

Indirect versus direct effects of grasses on growth of a cactus (Opuntia fragilis): insect herbivory versus competition

Variation in plant performance between microhabitats is usually attributed to direct mechanisms, such as plant physiological tolerances or competitive interactions. However, indirect mechanisms, such as differences in herbivore pressure mediated by microhabitat differences, could create the same pattern of variation. In this study, we investigated the effect of insect herbivore pressure on the growth of the grassland cactus Opuntia fragilis under different regimes of grassland canopy cover. Our purpose was to establish the extent to which canopy cover plays a direct, competitive role versus an indirect, mediatory role in cactus growth. We manipulated aboveground microhabitat, specifically the cover of adjacent grasses. The three treatments were: (1) open canopy, with grass pinned down away from the cactus; (2) shaded canopy, with a partial mesh cage staked over the cactus; and (3) ambient grass canopy. We measured seasonal plant growth and recorded changes in insect herbivore occurrence and damage in relation to cover. Cactus growth, defined as the change in number of live cladodes, was higher in the open than under either treatment where the plant was more shaded (P<0.05). However, allocation to new growth, measured as the proportion of new segments (cladodes) in a patch, did not differ among cover treatments. Thus, the hypothesis that physiological constraints, or competition for light, limited cactus performance in grass is rejected. Instead, we found that both cladode mortality, caused by the larvae of a cactus moth borer (Melitara dentata), and occurrence of the moth were lower in the open microhabitat than in either shaded microhabitat. Thus, higher net growth in the open, unshaded treatment, rather than representing a release from competition for light with grasses, was better explained as an indirect effect of grass cover on the activity and impact of the cactus moth. These results show that indirect effects can lead to a misinterpretation of experimental data on direct effects. These data also contribute to an improved understanding of mixed results in the biological control of weedy cacti. Clearly, future evaluations of the relative importance of physiology, competition, and insect herbivory in plant performance must be environmentally explicit.     

The introduction and release of Chiasmia inconspicua and C. assimilis (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) for the biological control of Acacia nilotica in Australia

Two geometrid moths Chiasmia inconspicua and Chiasmia assimilis, identified as potential biological control agents for prickly acacia Acacia nilotica subsp. indica, were collected in Kenya and imported into quarantine facilities in Australia where laboratory cultures were established. Aspects of the biologies of both insects were studied and CLIMEX® models indicating the climatically favourable areas of Australia were developed. Host range tests were conducted using an approved test list of 74 plant species and no-choice tests of neonate larvae placed on both cut foliage and potted plants. C. inconspicua developed through to adult on prickly acacia and, in small numbers, Acacia pulchella. C. assimilis developed through to adult on prickly acacia and also in very small numbers on A. pulchella, A. deanei, A. decurrens, and A. mearnsii. In all experiments, the response on prickly acacia could be clearly differentiated from the responses on the non-target species. Both insects were approved for release in Australia. Over a three-year period releases were made at multiple sites in north Queensland, almost all in inland areas. There was no evidence of either insect’s establishment and both colonies were terminated. A new colony of C. assimilis was subsequently established from insects collected in South Africa and releases of C. assimilis from this new colony were made into coastal and inland infestations of prickly acacia. Establishment was rapid at one coastal site and the insect quickly spread to other infestations. Establishment at one inland area was also confirmed in early 2006. The establishment in coastal areas supported a CLIMEX model that indicated that the climate of coastal areas was more suitable than inland areas.     

The introduction ofMimorista pulchellalis [Lepidoptera: Pyraustidae] into South Africa for the biological control of jointed cactus,Opuntia aurantiaca 1. Biology and mass-rearing techniques

A laboratory investigation was conducted on a pyraustid moth imported from South America for jointed cactus control. It was found that the moths were crepuscular, with females laying an average of 48±3.5 eggs over a period of 4–8 days. Larvae hatched out at night and usually tunnelled into the terminal ends of cactus cladodes at a site where young cactus growth occurred. The lifecycle was completed inside the cactus, pupation typically occurring in the dry husk of the cladode on which the egg was laid. Mass-rearing of the moth was easy if plants with young cactus growth were used.      

Intraguild interactions between generalist predators and an introduced parasitoid of Glycaspis brimblecombei (Homoptera: Psylloidea)

Studies were conducted to evaluate potential impacts of generalist predators on the biological control of Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Homoptera: Psylloidea), a pest of eucalyptus trees in California, and its introduced parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Based on the results of the monitoring populations of G. brimblecombei and their natural enemies in inland and coastal California in the field, P. bliteus or Anthocoris nemoralis (Fabricius) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), alone or both species together were released into cages with G. brimblecombei to simulate predatory interference on the introduced parasitoid in the laboratory. Although coastal sites had higher densities of natural enemies as were percent parasitism and predation, the mean number of G. brimblecombei did not vary between inland and coastal sites. P. bliteus or A. nemoralis significantly reduced the psyllid densities in cages. However, when both species were together, the presence of A. nemoralis increased the parasitoid mortality relative to the mortality observed in the parasitoid-alone treatment. Moreover, the increase in parasitoid mortality was followed by the decrease in mortality of the psyllids. The current study also indicated that predation risk of parasitized hosts varies depending on the developmental stages of the psyllids.     

Endangered Cactus Restoration: Mitigating the Non-Target Effects of a Biological Control Agent (Cactoblastis cactorum) in Florida

The moth Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg), the poster child of weed biological control in Australia, has recently invaded the United States and threatens native cacti. Concern is greatest for the endangered semaphore cactus, Opuntia corallicola, of which only two known populations exist in the wild. We made three separate outplantings of O. corallicola, designed to bolster the number of extant cacti and to test the effectiveness of three different treatments to protect the cacti from Cactoblastis. In one outplanting, we tested the associational susceptibility hypothesis and found that cacti planted more than 20 m away from the common prickly pear cactus, Opuntia stricta, which act as a reservoir of Cactoblastis, were just as frequently attacked and killed by Cactoblastis as cacti planted within 5 m. In addition, Cactoblastis attack was greater in the shade than in the sun. In the second outplanting, we minimized the attack from Cactoblastis by using protective cages planted at least 500 m from O. stricta in areas not inhabited by cacti. Cages attracted the attention of local animals, which destroyed the cages and trampled the cacti inside to death. Crown rot caused high mortality in this outplanting. In the third outplanting, again conducted at least 500 m away from O. stricta, fertilization did not reduce crown rot mortality. We suggest that increasing populations of O. corallicola in Florida, by means of outplantings, will remain a challenge because of death from Cactoblastis when planted in areas where cacti normally grow and because of death from crown rot in areas where they do not. Because Cactoblastis is moving rapidly northward and westward and has already reached Charleston, South Carolina, rare cacti in the rest of the U.S. Southeast may be in danger. Eventually, many cactus species in the U.S. South, Southwest, and Mexico will likely be threatened by this moth.     

Conservation management of Gortyna borelii lunata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the United Kingdom

Gortyna borelii lunata is a rare species of moth with a widespread, but localised distribution in Europe. In Britain, the moth is restricted to coastal grassland habitats that support its larval foodplant (Peucedanum officinale), in the southeast of England.Threats to G. borelii lunata in Britain include inappropriate management and sea-level rise. This study investigates how to secure the future of the moth in Britain by managing existing colonies appropriately and determining whether translocations of the species, away from the dangers of flooding, would be feasible. A mowing experiment and a translocation trial were conducted. Results from the mowing experiment indicate that cutting annually in either August or November is detrimental to the abundance of the moth. It is recommended that where sites must be mown this be performed on rotation, leaving much of the site uncut each year. The translocation of the moth and its foodplant to a site away from the threats of flooding was very successful, demonstrating that the species establishes well and can survive on higher ground. It is concluded that to secure the future of the moth in Britain, a sustainable network of interconnected sites for the species should be created. Also, an appropriate management plan should be formulated for each site.     

Effect of application rates and abiotic factors on Steinernema carpocapsae for control of overwintering navel orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Amyelois transitella) in pistachios

The effect of reduced application rate, soil temperature at shallow depth (2.5 cm), and soil type on the efficacy of Steinernema carpocapsae against the navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella, was evaluated in six field trials employing 1 m² plots conducted from November 2003 through December 2004 in Madera and Kern Counties, California. Nematodes were applied at a concentration of 100,000 infective juveniles (IJs)/m² (10⁹/ha) in a volume of 187 ml water/m² (1870 L/ha) with a post-application irrigation in all trials. Mortality ranged from 7.9 to 64.9% in successful trials and percent reduction in live larvae per plot was as high as 74.6%. Percent reduction and mortality were highly correlated (r² = 0.78) and larval reduction typically was 10–11% greater than mortality for any treatment. In one trial, although nematode treatment significantly increased mortality compared to the controls, the treatment was deemed unsatisfactory because mortality was <15%. Soil temperature in this trial rose to 39 °C within 5 h after application. Nematodes failed in two other trials when soil temperature fell below freezing (minimum temperatures −3.0, −5.5 °C, respectively) several times in a 5-day period. We conclude that a commercially feasible application volume of 1870 L water/ha followed by post-application irrigation at this same rate was effective, and that soil maximum temperature at or below 32 °C during the first 24 h after application is necessary for treatment success.     

中国仙人掌科一新归化种——匍地仙人掌

在进行多肉植物资源调查时,在我国山东省发现一仙人掌科仙人掌属新记录种——匍地仙人掌 [Opuntia humifusa(Raf.)Raf.]。该种具有独特的匍匐生长习性,叶状茎深绿色,无白霜,无针状刺,花黄色,与国内分布的仙人掌属其他物种区别明显。匍地仙人掌原产于北美洲,是仙人掌科为数不多的耐寒种类之一,现归化于中国山东省日照市五莲县,系目前发现的在我国野外分布最北的仙人掌科植物。该种可能于20世纪50年代在国家推广中药材时期引入种植,人类活动致使其种群逐渐扩散。同时,对匍地仙人掌与江苏报道的二色仙人掌之间的分类学问题进行了论述,并对将来匍地仙人掌在我国暖温带地区合理的开发利用进行了展望。     

Tolerance of Bt corn (MON 810) to maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Transgenic corn (MON 810), expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein, Cry1Ab, was evaluated under greenhouse conditions for its tolerance to the maize stem borer, Chilo partellus. Bt corn (MON 810) provided effective protection against the stem borer even under a high level of larval infestation in the greenhouse. The observed tolerance is examined and discussed in the light of the susceptibility of C. partellus to the Cry1Ab protein in laboratory bioassays. The implications of the tissue concentrations of Cry1Ab in MON 810, and baseline susceptibility recorded in the current study, for insect-resistance management are discussed.     

Insecticidal efficacy of some plant powders and extracts against the Angoumois grain moth,Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Powder and extract from four plants were evaluated for their insecticidal efficacy against the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) in the laboratory at a temperature of 28 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 75 ± 5%. The plants included Aristolochia ringens L., Khaya ivorensis (K.), Strophanthus hispidus (D.C.) and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Lam. The powder was applied at the rate of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/20 g of paddy rice, while the extract was applied at the rate of 1%, 2% and 3%/20 g of paddy rice. Parameters evaluated were adult moth mortality, adult emergence and weight loss in treated paddy after infestation. Results shows that adult moth mortality increased as concentration of powder increased. Significant differences (p < 0.05) existed among the plant powders andthe concentration. A 100% mortality rate was obtained within 7 days when A. ringens was applied at 0.4 and 0.6 g/20 g of paddy. S. hispidus was able to effect 100% mortality only at 0.6 g. This shows that A. ringens had the greatest insecticidal activity while the least effective was K. ivorensis. Adult emergence shows that more adult S. cerealella emerged from the control (40.3) which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than others. Fewer adults emerged from paddy treated with plant powder with the least in A. ringens. Generally, adult emergence reduced with an increase in the concentration of powder. The extract from all the four plants tested against S. cerealella was able to effect 100% mortality of the adult moths within 24 h of application at all concentrations. Significant differences (p < 0.05) existed among all the different plant powders in terms of weight loss. The weight loss in paddy was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control (57.7%) than others. Weight loss was least in paddy treated with A. ringens at 0.4g/20 g of paddy with 2.2%. Generally, weight loss decreased with increase in powder concentration. The treatment with the highest adult emergence (control) also had the highest weight loss, while the treatment with the lowest adult emergence (A. ringens) had the lowest weight loss.     

Insecticidal action of Bauhinia monandra leaf lectin (BmoLL) against Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Zabrotes subfasciatus and Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Bruchid beetle larvae cause major losses in grain legume crops throughout the world. Some bruchid species, such as the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) and the Mexican bean weevil (Zabrotes subfasciatus), are pests that damage stored seeds. The Mediterranean flour moth (Anagasta kuehniella) is of major economic importance as a flour and grain feeder; it is often a severe pest in flour mills. Plant lectins have been implicated as antibiosis factors against insects. Bauhinia monandra leaf lectin (BmoLL) was tested for anti-insect activity against C. maculatus, Z. subfasciatus and A. kuehniella larvae. BmoLL produced ca. 50% mortality to Z. subfaciatus and C. maculatus when incorporated into an artificial diet at a level of 0.5% and 0.3% (w/w), respectively. BmooLL up to 1% did not significantly decrease the survival of A. kuehniella larvae, but produced a decrease of 40% in weight. Affinity chromatography showed that BmoLL bound to midgut proteins of the insect C. maculatus. 33 kDa subunit BmoLL was not digested by midgut preparations of these bruchids. BmoLL-fed C. maculatus larvae increased the digestion of potato starch by 25% compared with the control. The transformation of the genes coding for this lectin could be useful in the development of insect resistance in important agricultural crops.     

Importance of trap liner adhesive selection for male moth catch (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with bisexual attractants

Studies compared moth captures of three pests (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) of apple, Malus domestica Borkhausen, in delta traps using removable liners coated with either a sticky gel (SG) or a hot‐melt pressure sensitive (HMPS) adhesive. Laboratory and field studies with Cydia pomonella (L.), Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) and Grapholita molesta (Busck) demonstrated that traps with either liner, baited with a pair of virgin females catch males, but at significantly different levels. In the field, male moth captures in traps with the HMPS liner were significantly greater than in traps with the SG liner for C. rosaceana, and G. molesta; but not for C. pomonella. Similar results were observed in laboratory studies using flight tunnels. Additional studies demonstrated that this difference in moth captures between liners was not due to levels of female mortality, but instead was correlated with the occurrence of the female's ventral abdominal surface becoming stuck in the adhesive. Studies showed that a significantly greater proportion of females of all species had their ventral abdomen stuck in the SG than HPMS adhesive on day 1, but only G. molesta and C. rosaceana on day 3. In addition, the tackiness of the two adhesives affected moth movement on the liner with males and females of all species moving farther on liners with SG than HMPS adhesive. A greater proportion of female G. molesta and C. pomonella were either stuck supined or laterally on the SG than HMPS adhesive, and females in this position captured as many males as when prone and unstuck on the liner. Our studies demonstrate that adhesives can secondarily influence male moth captures on trap liners when used with bisexual attractants, and that adhesive type should be considered when developing action thresholds.     

A three-trophic-level analysis of the effects of plant hybridization on a leaf-mining moth

We investigated relationships between host plant hybridization in the Quercus grisea x Q. gambelii species complex and the distribution and performance of a leaf-mining moth in the genus Phyllonorycter. In 2 years at two sites Phyllonorycter densities were lowest on Q. grisea and increased through the categories of hybrid host plants to Q. gambelii. Direct host plant effects on Phyllonorycter performance were consistent with Phyllonorycter distribution; unexplained mortality of larvae in the mines, which is often associated with direct plant effects, decreased from Q. grisea through the hybrids to Q. gambelii. Plant hybridization influenced parasitism of Phyllonorycter. Parasitism was density dependent, and across all densities was higher on Q. grisea and Q. gambelii than on hybrid host plants.     

Effects of temperature on the activity and kinetics of the granulovirus infecting the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The granulovirus infecting the potato tuber moth (PoGV) is an important biocontrol agent, especially for managing the pest in rustic potato storerooms. For efficient propagation and use of baculoviruses in pest control strategies, information on the effects of temperature on virus multiplication and activity is crucial. The interaction between PoGV infection and incubation temperature on P. operculella was studied in laboratory bioassays by determining the survival, yield of virus-infected larvae, and the kinetics of virus in vivo increase. Bioassays for LC₅₀ determination by using the egg-dip method were repeated over a period of six years in controlled incubation chambers at six constant temperatures ranging from 16 to 28 °C. Additionally, at temperatures of 17 and 24 °C the kinetics of virus development and increase in larva were assessed in destructive time-series experiments. Three different virus concentrations were used for inoculation. Control mortality was significantly temperature-dependent and was well described by a second-order polynomial function, with lowest mortality at 25 °C (20%) and highest at 16 °C (>60%). LC₅₀ values and slopes of probit-mortality curves were not significantly different between temperatures. Numbers of virus-infected larvae increased exponentially with increasing log-concentration of virus inoculum; an effect of temperature was not evident. Virus granules per larva correlated highly with larval age and larval weight. Multiple regression revealed minor direct effects of temperature on virus numbers; however, with decreasing temperature, larval weight and hence virus numbers increased. As a result, temperature is an important factor to be considered in virus-production facilities. Rearing temperature in virus-production facilities should be maintained at temperatures around 24 °C.     

Relative activity of baculoviruses of the diamondback moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plutella xylostella</Emphasis> (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

The relative activities of the granulovirus (PxGV) and the nucleopolyhedrovirus (PxMNPV) of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), against this insect were evaluated in the laboratory. Similar numbers of occlusion bodies (OBs) of PxGV and PxMNPV were required to kill P. xylostella. However, cadavers of insects infected with PxGV contained more OBs per unit weight than did cadavers infected with PxMNPV. Less cadaver material was thus required to kill insects with PxGV. Larvae that were killed by PxGV survived approximately 2 d longer than did those killed by PxMNPV. When P. xylostella larvae were fed both viruses together, mortality was higher than that caused by either virus alone. The virulence of PxMNPV produced in P.␣xylostella did not differ from that of PxMNPV produced in the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner). S. exigua was less susceptible to PxMNPV than to its homologous nucleopolyhedrovirus, SeMNPV. Use of trade names does not imply endorsements by USDA-ARS of products named nor criticism of similar ones not mentioned.