Sequencing, Analysis and Organization of the Complete Genome of a Novel Baculovirus Calliteara abietis Nucleopolyhedrovirus (CaabNPV)

Abstract

Baculoviridae, a virus family characterized by a single large double stranded DNA, encompasses the majority of viral bioinsecticides, representing a highly promising and environmentally friendly pesticide approach to insect control. This study focuses on the characterization of a baculovirus isolated from larvae of Calliteara abietis (Erebidae, Lymantriidae) collected in Mongolian pinaceae forests. This new isolate was called Calliteara abietis nucleopolyhedrovirus (CaabNPV). CaabNPV exhibits an irregular polyhedron shape, and significant variation in the diameter of its occlusion bodies (OBs) was observed. Nucleotide distance calculations confirmed CaabNPV as a novel baculovirus. The CaabNPV genome spans 177,161 bp with a G+C content of 45.12% and harbors 150 potential open reading frames (ORFs), including 38 core genes. A comprehensive genomic analysis categorizes CaabNPV within Group II alphabaculovirus, revealing a close phylogenetic relationship with Alphabaculovirus orleucostigmae (OrleNPV). Additionally, repeat sequence analysis identified three highly repetitive sequences consisting of 112 bp repeat units, known as homologous regions (hrs). This research contributes valuable insights into CaabNPV’s phylogenetic placement, genomic structure, and its potential applications in insect biocontrol.