The first record of box tree moth in Crimea and a novel perspective of its biological control based on Lymantria dispar multicapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus and DNA insecticides approach

Abstract

Abstract

In the past decade Cydalima perspectalis became a serious invasive pest of Buxus spp. in many countries of Europe. Here we report about the first record made in July 2015 for the presence of the box tree moth C. perspectalis in Crimea on ornamental box trees in urban environment. Eggs, caterpillars, pupae and adults of the pest were first found on Buxus sempervirens in two locations of the Simferopol, the capital of Crimea. As a potential control agent for the pest, we found a significant effect of Lymantria dispar multicapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus (LdMNPV) on viability of C. perspectalis. Additionally, we showed that mortality of LdMNPV-infected box tree moth can be increased topically using antisense DNA fragment from RING (really interesting new gene) domain of LdMNPV inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP-3) gene (VOVA effect). Obtained results indicate a possibility of joint use of oligoRING of LdMNPV IAP-3 gene and LdMNPV preparations (one after another) for more effective biological control of box tree moth and pave the way for development of management strategies against C. perspectalis, which are urgently needed to preserve the ornamental box trees in urban environment and natural box tree forests in Europe.