The Ectropis obliqua nuclear polyhedral virus (NPV)
In tea gardens in southern China, the tea trees are lush and the tender green leaves are the treasure of tea farmers.
However the larvae of tea geometrids feed on tea leaves and leave a tea garden bare in just a few days. The tea farmers are suffering unbearable. Although spraying chemical pesticides can kill insects, it can pollute the environment, harm beneficial insects such as bees, and even pose a threat to human health by leaving residues in tea.
The trump card for tea geometrids:
- During the binge eating period, larvae feed on leaves several times their own weight every day.
-Strong reproductive ability, multiple generations can occur in a year, and insect infestations occur one after another.
###Turning point: The invisible killer of nature**
Just as the war between humans and tea geometrids was deadlocked, scientists found the answer from nature - the ectropis obliqua nuclear polyhedral virus (NPV). This is a virus specifically targeting tea geometrids, which can be called the "precise assassin" of nature.
The incubation of the virus
1. Infection: After the tea geometrid larvae feed on leaves contaminated with NPV, virus particles invade their bodies.
2. Reproduction: The virus replicates wildly in the midgut cells of larvae, then spreads throughout the body, damaging the fat body and hemolymph system.
3. Fatal Strike: The larvae gradually stop feeding, turn white in color, and eventually die. After the death, millions of virus particles are released and spread with the wind or rain, infecting more pests.
Climax: The Ecological Wisdom of Viruses
EoNPV.Bt is highly specific and environmentally friendly.
-Precise Strike: Only infects tea geometrids, does not harm beneficial insects such as bees and parasitic wasps, and maintains the ecological balance of tea gardens.
-Self proliferation: Once released, the virus can continue to spread through particles released after the death of the parasite, forming a long-lasting prevention and control.
- No resistance: Unlike chemical pesticides, tea geometrids are difficult to develop resistance to viruses and have stable control effects.
**Classic case * *:
-Fujian Tea Garden: After spraying EoNPV.Bt, the mortality rate of tea geometrid larvae reached over 90%, the insect population density sharply decreased, and tea production recovered.
-Zhejiang Tea Plantation: After spraying EoNPV.Bt, the mortality rate of tea geometrid larvae reached over 90%, and the insect population density sharply decreased. Long-time control, and tea production can be restored.
Final chapter: Win-win between humans and nature
Nowadays, EoNPV.Bt has become the "star weapon" for green prevention and control in tea gardens.
-Reduce pesticide residues: Tea is safer and meets organic tea and export standards.
-Protect he ecology: Restore populations of natural enemies such as spiders and sandflies in tea gardens, forming a virtuous cycle.
-Economic benefits: Tea farmers save pesticide costs, improve tea quality, and increase prices.
Afterword: Inspirations from Technology and Nature**
The story of the tea geometrid and the EoNPV.Bt demonstrates the natural law of "mutual generation and restriction". Human beings have explored this relationship through scientific means, which not only protects the environment but also solves production problems. As experts from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have stated: the best pesticide may be hidden in nature itself.
Special attention should be paid to the practical application of EoNPV.Bt, which should be combined with insect monitoring. The best effect is achieved when applied during the early stage of larvae (1-2 instars). Remember to use them in advance.