Molecular and biological characterization of new isolates of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cydia pomonella</Emphasis> granulovirus from Iran

The Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) is a very effective biological control agent of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Lep.: Tortricidae). Only a few CpGV isolates originating from Mexico (M), England (E), and Russia (R) have been described so far. In a field survey at different locations in Iran, CpGV isolates were collected from single or pooled codling moth larvae. The isolates, designated I1, I7, I8, I15, I22, I28, I30, I66, I67, I68, and I70 showed genetic (DNA restriction endonuclease profiles) and biological (bioassays) differences. Most isolates could be attributed to genome types similar to those found in CpGV-M, -E, and -R. Some of them were clear mixtures of different genotypes. Thus, the CpGV isolates found in the North–West of Iran make an important contribution to the known diversity of CpGV. The occurrence of novel, naturally occurring CpGV isolates emphasize the necessity of further studies towards the diversity and evolution of CpGV.