LbGV

Lobesia botrana granulovirus (LbGV) is a baculovirus species in the genus Betabaculovirus, within the family Baculoviridae. It infects the larvae of Lobesia botrana, the European grapevine moth, a major pest of grapevines in many wine-producing regions. LbGV is used as a biological control agent in vineyards, contributing to integrated pest management programs aimed at reducing larval damage.

LbGV is a narrow-host-range virus that targets specific lepidopteran larvae. Infection occurs when larvae ingest occlusion bodies containing occluded virions. After ingestion, the virus replicates in the larval midgut and other tissues, typically leading to mortality within several days and a corresponding decline in feeding and crop injury. Because of its host specificity, LbGV generally presents a lower risk to non-target organisms compared with broad-spectrum chemical insecticides.

In terms of structure, LbGV forms occlusion bodies (granules) that protect virions in the environment. The virions are non-enveloped, rod-shaped particles packaged within a crystalline matrix of polyhedrin. The genome is double-stranded DNA and circular, with an approximate length in the range of 80 to 90 kilobases, encoding around 70 to 90 open reading frames. Isolates can exhibit genetic diversity, with multiple genotypes sometimes co-occurring in a region, which can influence virulence and field performance.

Applications and regulatory use: LbGV is applied as a microbial insecticide to suppress Lobesia botrana populations, typically applied as sprays timed to moth flight and larval thresholds. It is valued for reducing chemical inputs and residues in vineyards and is considered environmentally compatible when used as directed. Its deployment is subject to regional regulatory approvals as part of IPM strategies.