Pathology and bioassays of the lesser cornstalk borer (Elasmopalpus lignosellus) entomopoxvirus

The pathology and virulence of a naturally occurring entomopoxvirus of the lesser cornstalk borer (Elasmopalpus lignosellus) were studied in the laboratory. Diseased larvae appeared red and white, as opposed to the normal blue-green and brown color of healthy larvae. Chronic disease protracted the larval life span up to 40 days beyond normal. Infection appeared to be restricted to the hemocytes and the fat body cells. The LC₅₀ for 1st instars was 9 spheroids; for 3rd and 4th instars 93 spheroids; and for 5th and 6th instars, ca. 700 spheroids.