Infection of the boll weevil by Chilo iridescent virus

When infections with Chilo iridescent virus (CIV) were induced in larvae of boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis, by intrahemocoelic injection or by feeding, and in adults by feeding, the typical blue coloration of adipose tissue developed at 3–7 days postinfection, and mortality occurred after 3 days. The symptomatology and the pathological expressions depended on the initial infectious titer. The virus remained viable when it was added to the feeding stimulant bait used to infect weevils with protozoan pathogens in the field, and weevils feeding on the formulation became infected when it had been exposed 1–3 days in nature.