HpNPV Virus against Teak Defoliator Moth

Why in News?

Recently, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has successfully identified mass-produced and patented a naturally occurring virus.

• Teak Defoliator Moth – It is also known as Hyblaea puera.
• It is the most notorious pest and cryptic species which affects teak trees.

Cryptic species are two or more distinct species that are difficult or impossible to distinguish based on morphology (physical appearance) alone.

• Environment impact – It has devasted plantations, defoliating entire forests as 6 times a year, weakening the trees and cause significant loss in timber yields.
• Economic Impact – 3 Cubic metres of wood lost per hectare in India, annually.
• Need for natural enemies – Conventional methods like aerial spraying of chemical pesticides were used, but they faced backlash due to environmental concerns.
• These concerns highlighted the need for eco-friendly alternatives, leading to the search for natural enemies of the teak defoliator.
• HpNPV Virus – Hyblaea puera Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus (HpNPV), which causes lethal infection in the pest larvae and prevents widespread defoliation of teak trees.
• It is a host-specific virus, targeting only the larvae without harming the forest ecosystem.
• Working of HpNPV – It multiplies trillion times inside a single larva. When the body breaks open, it releases huge quantities of virus.
• The infection is sub-lethal, the virus stays in the insect, gets passed on to the next generation, and become deadly.
• Application Of HpNPV – It can be applied during early-stage outbreaks to prevent larger infestations.
• Economic potential – This innovation more significant to 64 countries which cultivating teak.
• This eco-friendly technology creates big opportunities to export.

Teak is native to just 4 countries namely, India, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and these countries have banned chemical pesticide use.

Reference

The Hindu| HpNPV Virus