Technology Description:
This invention relates to novel mosquito-infecting baculovirus and to insecticidal compositions which include baculoviruses effective for control of insects, especially mosquitos, Culex quinquefasciatus and Culexnigripalpus. The composition further contains a divalent cation such as magnesium, cobalt,strontium, and nickel. Insect control using baculoviruses is an attractive approach because baculoviruses only infect invertebrates, and they can generally be produced in sufficiently high numbers for commercial use. The virus of this invention can be produced with a novel in vitro propagation method in cultured mosquito cells which are grown in a culture medium containing a divalent cation, as described above along with a chelator or binder that selectively reduces the effective calcium ion concentration.
The technology is applicable to the insect biocontrol industry. Companies engaged in the manufacture of biocontrol products and biocides would also benefit from the invention.
Reference:
Please refer to USPN 6,521,454 (Docket #0177.97), "Novel Baculovirus, Insecticidal Compositions, and Methods for Control of Invertebrates," which issued on February 18, 2003. Foreign rights are available. Inventors:
James J. Becnel USDA, ARS, CMAVE Gainesville, FL (352) 374-5961 / Fax: (352) 374-5922 |
Fukuda Tokuo (Same as first inventor) (352) 374-5398 / Fax: (352) 374-5922 |
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Susan White (Same as first inventor) |
Andrew Cockburn (Same as first inventor) |
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Bettina Moser (Same as first inventor) |
Albert Undeen 311 Cozy Cove Whittier, NC 28789 (828) 586-2502 |
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