Analysis of the temporal expression of Trichoplusia ni single nucleopolyhedrovirus genes following transfection of BT1-Tn-5B1-4 cells.

Trichoplusia ni single nucleopolyhedrovirus (TnSNPV), a 134,394-bp double-stranded DNA group II Nucleopolyhedrovirus, is pathogenic to the lepidopteran T. ni. TnSNPV transcription is temporally regulated and divided into three promoter sequence-dependent classes (early, late and very late genes).

Can plants use an entomopathogenic virus as a defense against herbivores?

It is by now well established that plants use various strategies to defend themselves against herbivores. Besides conventional weapons such as spines and stinging hairs and sophisticated chemical defenses, plants can also involve the enemies of the herbivores in their defense. It has been suggested that plants could even use entomopathogens as part of their defense strategies.