Phenotypic diversity of BmNPV isolated from different geographical locations of south India

Viral diseases take the lives of n number of silkworms each year resulting in 30-40% of average crop loss. Grasserie is one of the deadly diseases caused by NPV (Nuclear Polyhedrosis virus) for silkworm. BmNPV was observed throughout the year with increased severity in the summer and autumn crops. During the World War II, accidentally effective pest’s suppression was observed by the introduction of baculovirus into the environment. Morphological parameters of occlusion bodies of BmNPV from different strains were examined to validate detailed structure of these viruses. This examination mainly focused on light microscopic and electron microscopic study. Results in intelligible images of HRH, HSR, KNK, MSI and VKK BmNPV isolates under various magnifications were observed. The diameter of completely formed OBs of HRH, HSR, KNK, MSI, VKK was found to be 1.2 to 2.8 μm, 1.4 to 3.2 μm, 0.8 to 2.6 μm and 1.1 to 2.9 μm, 1.1 to 3.4 μm. Granulated OBs size ranges from 0.5 to 2.4μm. The diameter of polyhedra ranges about 0.6–1.6μm. Thus, uncovering these aspects may help to spell out indetail phenotypic diversity of BmNPV isolates from south India.