Possible repair of UV-damaged Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus DNA via generation of mutant carrying photolyase gene with DNA repair activity

Abstract Background Baculoviruses can be inactivated by ultraviolet (UV) light, which limits their application as an efficient biopesticide. In attempt to enhance virus resistance UV inactivation, a photolyase gene, isolated from Spodoptera litura granulovirus (SpliGV), was expressed in deficient littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV) and the infectivity of recombinant expressing phr gene determined after exposure irradiation. Results Expression resulted fivefold occlusion bodies (vSpli-phr) compared wild type SpliNPV upon irradiation measured LC 50 value when fed on S. neonate. Furthermore, showed significant decrease time required for lethality than control with about 22 h, ST value. Hence, expression via vSpli-phr relatively may rescue viral DNA damage caused Conclusions This study provided evidence that generated encoding functioning photolyase, have implications development new generation baculoviruses enhanced insect pest management capabilities.