Impact of covert infections with an RNA virus on the susceptibility of Spodoptera exigua to natural enemies

Abstract Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs are alternatives to classical pest control through the application of chemical insecticides. IPM goal is maintain populations below economically injurious levels minimizing use In recent years, research on insect viromes has led discovery many novel viral pathogens in pests, some them producing covert infections that do not cause evident symptoms. However, impact these viruses have action natural enemies employed still unknown. Spodoptera exigua iflavirus 1 (SeIV1) an RNA virus commonly found field . this work, we analysed possible those activity different used for pest. Specifically, studied effects SeIV1 susceptibility entomopathogenic nematodes, fungi, bacteria, and parasitoids. Infections with showed be compatible nematode Steinernema carpocapsae as infection did affect or production new juveniles. Moreover, they also fungus Metarhizium brunneum mortality S. larvae was affected by infection. Interestingly, increase Bacillus thuringiensis formulation caused parasitism Hyposoter didymator summary, our results show four tested negatively their remains similar enhanced iflavirus.