Potential for Disrupting Biological Processes in Helicoverpa and Heliothis Spp. With Neuropeptides and Recombinant Baculoviruses

R.L. Ridgway, M.N. Inscoe, Y,W. Thorpe, A.K. Raina, and J.C. Davis


 
ABSTRACT

Neuropeptides appear to be involved in the regulation of all basic insect life processes; therefore, investigations of these materials offer long-range potential for development of highly selective methods of insect control. A discussion of the role of neuropeptides in pheromone production in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa (Heliothis) zea is followed by this description of a model research and development system under investigation in which genes that regulate the production of neuropeptides are inserted into baculoviruses. The genetically engineered viruses are then used to infect target insect cells (either in vitro or in vivo). It is anticipated that this system will lead to the development of strategies for controlling peat populations through the disruption of biological processes that are regulated by neuropeptides.



Reprinted from 1990 Proceedings: Beltwide Cotton Production Research Conferences pp. 314 - 317
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998