Abstract: An isolate of the gypsy moth virus Lymantria dispar nuclear polyhedrosis virus (LdNPV) that is characterized by enhanced polyhedra production, enhanced budded virus production, and stable polyhedra production during serial passage in cell culture is disclosed. The isolate, designated LdNPV 122b, has been deposited at the American Tissue Culture Collection and has been assigned number ATCC VR2577. Also disclosed is a viral insecticide having an insecticidally effective amount of polyhedra produced in cell culture. A method for protecting plants from insects against which LdNPV is toxic is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of isolating a gypsy moth virus that maintains normal levels of viral occlusion when produced in an insect cell line is disclosed. This method comprises the steps of cycles of infecting gypsy moth larvae with a strain of gypsy moth virus of interest, harvesting the larvae to collect budded virus, infecting a cell line capable of propagation in a bioreactor and then harvesting the virus. One repeats the infection cycle until one has enriched for a gypsy moth virus strain with normal levels of occlusion.

Abstract: A method for determining the genotype of a gypsy moth is disclosed. This method begins with the steps of isolating genomic DNA from a candidate gypsy moth, exposing that DNA to an oligonucleotide primer selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or the complement thereof and sequences sufficiently similar to SEQ ID NOs:4 and 5 or the complement thereof under conditions permitting amplification of the genomic DNA, and comparing the amplified DNA with amplified DNA produced by control samples. A genotype identity is assigned to the candidate moth according to which control sample has amplified fragments similar to those in the candidate sample. A method for obtaining DNA primers for determining the genotype of candidate moths is also disclosed.

Abstract: A virus having the identifying characteristics of ATCC VR2396 is disclosed. This virus has the trait of enhanced polyhedra production stability and resists forming a few polyhedra mutant virus. A method of protecting crops from insects comprising applying an insecticidally effective amount of virus having the identifying characteristics of ATCC VR2396 is also disclosed.

Abstract: A virus having the identifying characteristics of ATCC VR2396 is disclosed. This virus has the trait of enhanced polyhedra production stability and resists forming a few polyhedra mutant virus. A method of protecting crops from insects comprising applying an insecticidally effective amount of virus having the identifying characteristics of ATCC VR2396 is also disclosed.