Nuclear polyhedrosis virus

Definition

A subgroup of rod-shaped, double-stranded DNA viruses in the family Baculoviridae that replicate in the nucleus of host cells and produce characteristic polyhedral occlusion bodies containing multiple virions; primarily pathogenic to lepidopteran larvae and widely used as biological insecticides.

Etymology

From Latin nucleus (kernel, inner part), Greek poly- (many) + hedra (base, seat), and Latin virus (poison); refers to the many-sided crystalline protein matrix (polyhedron) that encloses virions in the infected cell nucleus.

Example

The Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is the type species used to control cabbage looper and other noctuid pests in greenhouse and field crops.

Synonyms

• NPV
• nucleopolyhedrovirus

Related Terms

• baculovirus
• granulovirus
• Occlusion body
• Biological control
• Lepidoptera pathology
• Cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus

Usage Notes

Formerly treated as a formal genus (Nucleopolyhedrovirus), now classified under Alphabaculovirus; distinguished from granuloviruses by the larger, many-occluded polyhedra and from cytoplasmic polyhedrosis viruses (Reoviridae) by nuclear replication site and genome type. The plural form is standard in field literature (e.g., 'NPVs are highly host-specific').