Relative effectiveness of selected stilbene optical brighteners as enhancers of the beet armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) nuclear polyhedrosis virus

The addition of a stilbene optical brightener, Tinopal LPW, at 1% concentration (wt:wt) significantly reduced the LC50 of the beet armyworm nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SeMNPV) from 2.9 PIB/mm2 to 0.02 PIB/mm2. Moreover, the LT50 of SeMNPV was reduced by 34% by the addition of Tinopal LPW. Seven other structurally related stilbene brighteners were also tested as viral enhancers. Five of these brighteners (Tinopal LPW, Blankophor BBH, Blankophor HRS, Blankophor P167, and Blankophor RKH) reduced LD50, whereas three brighteners (Blankophor BSU, Blankophor DML, and Blankophor LPG) had little effect. Among the active brighteners, LC50s were reduced by 10.5-fold (Blankophor P167), 52.4-fold (Blankophor RKH), 87.3-fold Tinopal LPW), 131-fold (Blankophor BBH), and >400-fold (Blankophor HRS). LT50s were also decreased by the addition of Blankophor BBH, Blankophor P167, and Blankophor RKH, but were increased by the addition of Blankophor BSU, Blankophor DMLO, and Blankophor LPG to SeMNPV suspensions.     

Effect of tinopal LPW on the insecticidal properties and genetic stability of the nucleopolyhedrovirus of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The influence of an optical brightener, Tinopal LPW, on the activity of a purified genotype of the nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), was determined in second to fifth instar (L2-L5) S. exigua. When mixed with viral occlusion bodies (OB) 1% Tinopal LPW significantly reduced the median lethal dose (LD50) of the virus in all instars compared with insects treated with SeMNPV alone. Levels of enhancement, as determined by LD50 values, ranged from 2.6- to 580-fold, depending on the instar. The greatest enhancement occurred on the two later instars, L4 (70-fold) and L5 (580-fold), which show a much higher resistance to SeMNPV infection than earlier instars. The median time to death (MTD) values were not significantly different in any instar among larvae treated with SeMNPV + Tinopal LPW and those treated with SeMNPV alone. Larval development in SeMNPV + Tinopal LPW treated larvae was retarded, in second and fourth instars, compared with controls or larvae treated with SeMNPV alone. The OB yields from SeMNPV treated larvae were almost 1.6-fold greater in second instars (9.3 x 10(6) OBs/larvae), and 1.9-fold greater in fourth instars (1.9 x 10(8) OBs/larvae), than those obtained in larvae treated with SeMNPV + Tinopal LPW. The addition of 1% Tinopal LPW to the virus suspension did not alter the genotypic composition of viral progeny during four successive passages of the virus.     

Selection of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses as biological control agents ofSpodoptera exigua [Lep.: Noctuidae]

The virulence of 5 nuclear polyhedrosis viruses infectious for larvae of beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua, was studied and their potential as biological control agents of this accidentally introduced pest in Dutch greenhouse crops is discussed. Three of the virus isolates were collected from deceased beet armyworm larvae found in Dutch greenhouses. Based on restriction endonuclease patterns of their DNA they appeared to be closely related toMamestra brassicae nuclear polyhedrosis virus (MbMNPV) and therefore were named MbMNPV-NL80, MbMNPV-NL82 and MbMNPV-NL83. These isolates were not related toAutographa californica MNPV (AcMNPV) or toSpodoptera exigua MNPV (SeMNPV), both originating from the USA. Comparison of the oiological activity of these 5 isolates showed that the SeMNPV was more virulent against beet armyworm than the other isolates. There was no significant difference in virulence between MbMNPV-NL80, NL82, NL83 and AcMNPV forS. exigua. The LD-50 values of the 5 isolates for 2nd instar larvae were 3, 26, 14, 17 and 18 polyhedra, respectively. Despite compensating qualities of the other MNPVs, such as a broader host range and potential production in alternate hosts or cell-lines, SeMNPV is considered to be the most suitable candidate as biological control agent of beet armyworm.      

Comparative activity of baculoviruses against the codling moth Cydia pomonella and three other tortricid pests of tree fruit

The granulovirus of Cydia pomonella (L.) (CpGV) offers potential for selective control of codling moth. Two major limitations of CpGV are its narrow host range and lack of persistence in the orchard agroecosystem. The nucleopolyhedroviruses of the alfalfa looper Autographa californica (Speyer) (AcMNPV) and those of the celery looper Anagrapha falcifera (Kirby) (AfMNPV) have broad host ranges. Comparative assays of CpGV, AcMNPV, and AfMNPV against codling moth neonate larvae revealed a 54-93-fold greater susceptibility of codling moth to the granulovirus than to the two nucleopolyhedroviruses based on the LC(50) values for each virus. The LC(50)s for CpGV, AfMNPV, and AcMNPV were 32.7 capsules/mm(2), 1.77 x 10(3) occlusion bodies (OBs)/mm(2), and 3.05 x 10(3)OBs/mm(2), respectively. The LT(50) determined for AfMNPV using an approximate LC(95) of the virus against neonate larvae was 3.6 days. Histological examination of tissues in moribund codling moth larvae that had been treated with AfMNPV revealed the presence of nonoccluded and unenveloped virus rods in midgut tissue. Neither OBs nor signs of infection were detected in other tissues. The activity of AfMNPV was also evaluated in three other tortricid apple pests (obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris); Pandemis leafroller, Pandemis pyrusana Kearfott; and the oriental fruit moth, Grapholitha molesta (Busck)). Codling and Oriental fruit moths were significantly more susceptible to AfMNPV than were the two leafroller species.     

Production of selected baculoviruses in newly established lepidopteran cell lines

Summary One key to the in vitro mass production of baculoviruses is the development of insect cell lines capable of producing high levels of extracellular virus (ECV) and/or occlusion bodies (OBs). For this study, 34 newly established cell lines from 10 lepidopteran species were screened for their ability to produce ECV and OBs from a variety of baculoviruses. The selected baculoviruses included: the alfalfa looper virus (AcMNPV); the celery looper virus (AfMNPV); the velvetbean caterpillar virus (AgMNPV), the bollworm virus (HzSNPV), the diamondback moth virus (PxMNPV), and the beet armyworm virus (SeMNPV). ECV titers were determined using TCID₅₀ assays (50% tissue culture infectivity dose), with the presence or absence of OBs being noted. For AcMNPV, 28 new cell lines were tested, with eight producing AcMNPV ECV titers of 1.1–47.3×10⁶ TCID₅₀/ml and 11 producing OBs. For AgMNPV, six new cell lines were tested, with all producing AgMNPV ECV titers of 3.5–62.3×10⁶ TCID₅₀/ml and generating OBs. For HzSNPV, four new cell lines were tested with three lines producing HzSNPV ECV titers of 1.4–5.0×10⁶TCID₅₀/ml, but none generating OBs. For PxMNPV, 10 new cell lines were tested with seven generating PxMNPV ECV titers of 4.7–232.6×10⁶TCID₅₀/ml and eight producing OBs. Lastly, using qualitative or semiquantitative methods, homologous cell lines were tested for AfMNPV and SeMNPV production, all of which produced OBs. Overall, many of the cell lines tested were found to produce OBs and generate moderate to high levels of ECVs of one or more baculoviruses. All programs and services of the USDA Department of Agriculture are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap.     

Host plant resistance in romaine lettuce affects feeding behavior and biology of Trichoplusia ni and Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Lettuce quality and yield can be reduced by feeding of several lepidopterous pests, particularly cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner), and beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Host plant resistance to these insects is an environmentally sound adjunct to conventional chemical control. In this study we compared the survival, development, and feeding behavior of cabbage looper and beet armyworm on two romaine lettuce cultivars, resistant 'Valmaine' and susceptible 'Tall Guzmaine'. Larval mortality of both species was significantly higher on resistant Valmaine than on susceptible Tall Guzmaine. The average weight per larva after feeding for 1 wk on Tall Guzmaine plants was 6 times (beet armyworm) and 2 times (cabbage looper) greater than that of larvae feeding on Valmaine plants. Significant reduction in larval growth on Valmaine compared with that on Tall Guzmaine resulted in a 5.9- (beet armyworm) and 2.6-d (cabbage looper) increase in larval duration and almost a 1-d increase in pupal duration. Average pupal and adult weights and successful pupation of cabbage looper and beet armyworm were reduced on Valmaine compared with Tall Guzmaine. The sex ratio of progeny did not deviate from 1:1 when larvae were reared on either Valmaine or Tall Guzmaine. The fecundity of cabbage looper and beet armyworm adults that developed from larvae reared on Valmaine was about one-third that of adults from Tall Guzmaine, but adult longevity did not significantly differ on the two lettuce cultivars. The two insect species showed different feeding preferences for leaves of different age groups on Valmaine and Tall Guzmaine. Cabbage loopers cut narrow trenches on the leaf before actual feeding to block the flow of latex to the intended site of feeding. In contrast, beet armyworms did not trench. The different feeding behavior of the two species on Valmaine may explain the superior performance of cabbage looper compared with beet armyworm.     

Effect of two granulosis viruses on the activity of the gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) nuclear polyhedrosis virus

Two granulosis viruses (GV) were tested as enhancers for the gypsy moth nuclear polyhedrosis virus (LdMNPV). Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) CV (HaGV) had no detrimental effect upon larval growth and development, but in combination with LdMNPV it reduced both the LC50 and the LT50 for the NPV. In addition, the combination also adversely affected the growth and development of gypsy moth larvae. The LC50 of LdMNPV was reduced by as much as 300-fold (HaGV at 10(-2) dilution) and the LT50 was reduced by as much as 18% (HaGV at 10(-2) dilution). Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) GV reduced the LC50 of LdMNPV by as much as 13-fold but had no effect upon the LT50.     

荧光素对舞毒蛾核型多角体病毒不同地理品系的增效与光保护作用

舞毒蛾Lymantria dispar L.是源于欧亚大陆的多食性叶部害虫,取食300多种乔灌木,现已分布于北美、北非,成为世界性危险害虫之一,给林业生产带来了巨大损失。舞毒蛾核型多角体病毒(LdMNPV)是控制舞毒蛾种群动态的重要生物因素,可引起舞毒蛾种群急剧下降。在室内采用青杨枝条饲养的方法,测定了来自中国、北美和日本的3个LdMNPV品系(分别为LdMNPV-H,LdMNPV-D和LdMNPV-J)对危害青杨的亚洲型舞毒蛾幼虫的毒力,并测定了荧光素Tinopal LPW对它们的增效和光保护作用。结果表明Tinopal LPW对LdMNPV 3个地理品系均有增效和光保护作用,而且随着Tinopal LPW浓度的增加,增效作用增强,1%Tinopal LPW的增效作用最好。添加1%Tinopal LPW的LdMNPV-D品系、LdMNPV-H品系和LdMNPV-J品系对取食青杨的舞毒蛾幼虫的致死中浓度(LC50)分别为1.0、1.6、17.6 OBs/μL,不添加1%Tinopal LPW时,它们的LC50分别为32.9、39.0、1076.4 OBs/μL,分别降低了33、24、61倍。不添加1%Tinopal LPW时,D、H和J品系对舞毒蛾二龄幼虫的致LC95分别是2125.5、1275.8、303540.0 OBs/μL,添加1%Tinopal LPW后LC95分别为73.0、285.4、2360.8OBs/μL,分别降低了26、4.5、128.6倍。此外,1%Tinopal LPW的荧光素使3个品系的致死中时间(LT50)分别缩短了2.9d、5.3d、1.2d。LdMNPV-D和LdMNPV-H品系对亚洲型舞毒蛾表现出低致死中浓度、较短的致死中时间和较大的斜率,二者的毒力较LdMNPV-J品系高,在生产实践中应选择LdMNPV-D添加1%Tinopal LPW。Tinopal LPW对LdMNPV-D、LdMNPV-H和LdMNPV-J 3个品系均有光保护作用,添加1%Tinopal LPW后在距离30W紫外灯40cm下照射16h后,它们毒力保持系数比未添加Tinopal LPW分别高1.8、2.6、1.8倍。     

Efficacy of two nuclear polyhedrosis viruses againstOstrinia nubilalis [Lep.: Pyralidae] in the laboratory and field

Nuclear polyhedrosis viruses isolated from the alfalfa looper,Autographa californica (Speyer) (AcMNPV), and a mint looper,Rachiplusia ou (Guenée) (RoMNPV), were assayed against the European corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner), and applied to field corn for suppression of this insect. Fourteen days post-treatment, LC₅₀ values were 46.50 abd 0.95×10⁵ PIB/ml diet for AcMNPV and RoMNPV, respectively. Both viruses caused significant reductions in number of larvae per plant and in plant damage when the material was applied with a backpack sprayer. Data indicate that RoMNPV kills in less time than AcMNPV. When the viruses were applied with a commercial highboy applicator, the centimeters of damage to cornstalks was reduced by 65% with RoMNPV during the 1st generation and by 32.9% in the 2nd generation.     

Is It Feasible to Use Optical Brightener Technology with a Baculovirus Bioinsecticide for Resource-Poor Maize Farmers in Mesoamerica?

Stilbene-derived optical brighteners greatly enhance the infectivity of a number of baculoviruses. This technology has been patented for use with insect pathogenic viruses in the United States and Canada. A baculovirus is currently being tested for its potential as a biological insecticide of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the principal insect pest of maize in Mesoamerica. A multiply embedded nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate originally from Nicaragua was bioassayed alone and in the presence of the optical brightener Tinopal LPW (1%), using second instar S. frugiperda larvae. The LC₅₀ value of the virus alone was calculated at 82.1 polyhedral inclusion bodies (PIBs)/mm² of diet compared with 0.71 PIBs/mm² in the presence of Tinopal LPW. In contrast to other studies, the mean time to death of larvae exposed to virus and Tinopal LPW was significantly extended compared to larvae inoculated with virus alone. Analysis of the results of eight independent field trials in Mexico and Honduras revealed a significant positive relationship between log virus dose and percentage mortality observed in S. frugiperda larvae. Virus-induced mortality was approximately 50% at the highest application rate tested: 1000 larval equivalents (LE) of virus/ha. When the impact of parasitism was taken into account, larval mortality increased to 45.0–90.7% in plots treated with virus at 250 LE/ha or more. A cost analysis indicated that approximately 60% pest control can be achieved as a conservative estimate with virus application and the action of parasitoids for the price of a chemical insecticide. Formulating the virus with an optical brightener appears to be an attractive option based on laboratory findings but requires field testing. The use of optical brightener technology will probably be feasible for maize growers in Mesoamerica only if it is highly effective at very low concentrations (<0.1%) or the volume of the virus application can be reduced.     

寄主植物-甜菜夜蛾-寄生蜂三级营养关系的研究进展

综述了近年来甜菜夜蛾Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)、寄主植物和寄生蜂互作关系方面的研究进展。介绍了甜菜夜蛾取食诱导的植物抗虫性产生的原因和机制;阐述了诱导植物产生抗性的甜菜夜蛾激发子volicitin的合成途径和功能,以及虫害诱导的植物挥发物和蛋白酶抑制剂对甜菜夜蛾及其寄生蜂的生态学功能;展望了植物诱导抗虫性在甜菜夜蛾的生物防治和新型抗虫品种开发等领域的应用前景。     

Infectivity studies of a new baculovirus isolate for the control of the diamondback moth (Plutellidae: Lepidoptera)

This study describes a new baculovirus isolate recovered from infected larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), and identified as a multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (MNPV). The plaque purified isolate designated as PxMNPVCL3 was found to be pathogenic to P. xylostella, Heliothis virescens (F.), Trichoplusia ni (Hübner), H. subflexa (Guenée), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), and S. frugiperda (J. E. Smith) larvae in decreasing order of susceptibility. The LC50 for diamondback moth, the most susceptible, was 6 occlusion bodies (OB)/cm2, whereas the most resistant species, namely S. frugiperda, was 577 OB/cm2. PxMNPVCL3 was more pathogenic to diamondback moth by 3-4 log cycles as compared with 2 broad-spectrum baculoviruses, namely Autographa california (alfalfa looper) MNPV and Anagrapha falcifera (celery looper) MNPV. The 3 baculoviruses were compared with each other and characterized by restriction endonuclease (REN) analysis, hybridization, and neutralization tests. Fragmentation profiles generated by REN showed that the 3 baculoviruses shared some fragments in common. Hybridization studies employing digoxigenin labeled PxMNPVCL3 DNA as a probe revealed the close but distinct relationship of these 3 viruses. Neutralization tests confirmed the hybridization studies, namely that the 3 viruses although genetically similar are distinguishable from each other.     

棉铃虫和甜菜夜蛾中肠丝氨酸蛋白酶活性测定以及活化、降解Cry1Ac毒素分析

昆虫中肠对Bt原毒素活化与对活化毒素降解的变化被认为是害虫对Bt产生的机制之一,研究比较棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera(Hübner)与甜菜夜蛾Spodoptera exigua(Hübner)的中肠液、BBMV蛋白酶的活性,通过SDS-PAGE分析2种昆虫对原毒素的活化速度与对活化毒素的降解速度。2种昆虫的中肠液蛋白酶活性均显著高于BBMV蛋白酶活性,中肠液与BBMV均能迅速活化原毒素并继续降解活化后的毒素,与中肠液相比,BBMV对原毒素的活化与对活化毒素的降解均慢于中肠液,甜菜夜蛾对毒素的活化与降解又慢于棉铃虫。另外,还测定抑制剂对中肠液蛋白酶活性的抑制作用,结果表明,各抑制剂对棉铃虫和甜菜夜蛾相应酶活性的抑制表现出相同的趋势,TLCK对丝氨酶蛋白酶具较好的抑制作用,而PMSF对胰蛋白酶的抑制作用次之,TPCK对胰凝乳蛋白酶的抑制作用较弱。     

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.     

Physiological and Nutritional Effects of a Fluorescent Brightener on Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus-Infected Lymantria dispar (L.) Larvae (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Recent studies with gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar L.) show that the fluorescent brightener, Tinopal LPW, acts synergistically with the L. dispar nuclear polyhedrosis virus (LdMNPV), lowering the 50% lethality concentration of the virus (LC₅₀) by 1000-fold. As a continuation of this work, we investigated the effects of ingestion of LdMNPV/Tinopal on larval midgut pH, hemolymph pH, and nutritional indices. Larval feeding for 48 h on diet treated with either LdMNPV or Tinopal did not affect midgut luminal pH, which averaged 10.3. In contrast, after 48 h of larval feeding on LdMNPV/ Tinopal diet, midgut pH averaged 8.5, and frass production, weight gain, and larval nutritional indices were significantly reduced. These effects appeared to be irreversible after the first 24 h of feeding ad libitum on LdMNPV/Tinopal diet, and the reduction in midgut pH was not due to feeding cessation per se. No significant effects on hemolymph pH were detected with any treatment. No treatment effects were observed when "SITS," a related fluorescent brightener, was substituted for Tinopal. The severe biological perturbations resulting from LdMNPV/Tinopal consumption are interpreted in light of current understanding of larval lepidopteran midgut physiology.     

甜菜夜蛾飞行肌中与能量代谢有关的酶活性

通过生化方法测定了参与飞行能源物质代谢的5种酶活力的变化,即3-磷酸甘油醛脱氢酶(GAPDH)、3-磷酸甘油脱氢酶(GDH)、乳酸脱氢酶(L DH)、柠檬酸合酶(CS)和3-羟酰辅酶A脱氢酶(HOAD)。结果表明,1、3、5日龄处女蛾的GAPDH和CS酶活力显著高于7日龄蛾;但HOAD的活性恰恰与之相反,其酶活力随日龄的增加逐渐增强。GDH初羽化时活性较低,但到3日龄后增加到最大值,以后随日龄的增加活性逐渐下降,L DH的活性一直比较低,且不同日龄的酶活力差异不显著。交配状况和幼虫期饥饿处理对成虫的代谢酶活力没有显著影响。在第7代选育家系中,强飞家系的GAPDH酶活力显著高于短飞和不飞;而在第8代中强飞家系的上述5种酶的活性均高于短飞家系,而第10代中仅有CS的活性在强飞和短飞家系中存在显著差异,其他均差异不显著。这说明甜菜夜蛾在初始阶段主要利用糖类作为能源物质,而后期飞行又可通过脂类代谢提供能量,且不同日龄的处女蛾和选择家系的飞行能力与代谢酶活性呈现一定的正相关关系。     

江苏丰县甜菜夜蛾田间种群虫源性质分析

通过观察甜菜夜蛾雌蛾的卵巢形态和结构变化 ,将其卵巢发育进度分为五级 ,即乳白透明期 ( )、卵黄沉积期 ( )、成熟待产期 ( )、产卵盛期 ( )和产卵末期 ( )。气候资料分析表明 ,甜菜夜蛾在江苏丰县越冬存活率极低 ,个别年份甚至不能越冬。根据当地积温预测的发蛾期远远迟于黑光灯灯下见蛾期 ,表明初上灯蛾是外来迁入虫源。以卵巢解剖法对 2 0 0 2年江苏丰县田间种群虫源性质的研究表明 ,2、3代雌虫的交配率均在 80 %左右 , 级以上卵巢比例均高于 70 % ;而 4代甜菜夜蛾的交配率为 6 4 .80 % , 级卵巢比例为 4 5 .6 6 % ,再结合当地的发蛾特征 ,可知当年 2、3代甜菜夜蛾主要以外地迁入为主 ,4代主要以本地虫源为主。根据 1 998年以来历年发蛾特征的分析 ,表明甜菜夜蛾存在明显的迁飞现象     

甜菜夜蛾性信息素的研究与应用

甜菜夜蛾Spodoptera exigua(Hbner)已成为我国的重要农业害虫,其高抗药性和危害具有隐蔽性,致使防治十分困难。文章介绍甜菜夜蛾性信息素的主要成分、活性、配比、诱芯剂型、诱捕器类型和利用性信息素监测、防治甜菜夜蛾技术的研究概况。认为改进现有技术后并应用于实际,将会更有效地监测和防治甜菜夜蛾的发生与危害。     

A Stilbene Optical Brightener can Enhance Bacterial Pathogenicity to Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) and Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Stilbene optical brighteners were first investigated to protect biological control agents such as viruses, fungi, and nematodes against ultraviolet light. Some are known to enhance the activity of insect viruses in Lepidoptera. In this work, one stilbene brightener, Tinopal LPW, also increased mortality of gypsy moth and Colorado potato beetle larvae when treated with bacteria/optical brightener combinations. This increase in mortality, however, did not occur for every bacteria/insect combination. In gypsy moth, a significant increase in larval mortality was observed only with Bacillus thuringiensis combined with Tinopal LPW. In Colorado potato beetle, however, the addition of Tinopal LPW increased larval mortality with all bacteria tested (B. thuringiensis, Serratia marcescens, Photorhabdus luminescens, and Chromobacterium sp.). The brightener also decreased the time to kill for these pathogens. This decrease in LT₅₀ was observed not only for bacteria+Tinopal LPW combinations, but also for combinations of Chromobacterium sp. toxin+Tinopal LPW. The mechanism for increase in bacterial toxicity by optical brighteners is compatible with mechanisms proposed for enhancement based on viral/lepidopteran/optical brightener systems that are not dependent on replication.