An ARS-discovered virus that causes sterility in corn earworms could give farmers an environmentally safe weapon against this scourge of corn, cotton and other crops. Also, the virus may have potential to knock down related pests such as the legume podborer, tobacco budworm and fall armyworm.
Most infected moths lack reproductive organs altogether.
Based on lab studies, scientists estimate that low levels of the virus cause sterility in 70 to 80 percent of infected moths. The rest become carriers, passing the virus along to the next generation through mating. Field tests of the virus are planned for later this year. ARS has filed a patent application on the virus. An ARS study collected nearly 800 specimens of the family from 10 sites in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.