Expression of the gonad-specific small heat shock protein, CfHSP20.2, in the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.).

Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) play important roles in insect development and stress resistance. However, the in vivo functions and mechanisms of action remain largely unknown or unclear for most members of the sHSPs in insects. This study investigated the expression of CfHSP20.

Molecular characterization of eight ATP-dependent heat shock protein transcripts and their expression profiles in response to stresses in the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (L.).

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) greatly contribute to insect stress tolerance and enhance survival and adaptation in severe environmental conditions. To investigate the potential roles of HSPs in the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (L.), an important native pest of forests in North America, we found eight ATP-dependent HSP transcripts (CfHSPs).

Expression profiles of 14 small heat shock protein (sHSP) transcripts during larval diapause and under thermal stress in the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (L.).

Diapause is an important strategy for certain insect species to survive unfavorable environmental conditions, including low temperatures experienced when they overwinter in cold climate. Many studies have indicated that the increased expression of heat shock proteins during diapause improves the thermal tolerance of insects. However, the relationship between small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) and diapause is not clear or well-researched.

Persistence of naturally occurring and genetically modified Choristoneura fumiferana nucleopolyhedroviruses in outdoor aquatic microcosms.

Background: To assess the persistence of genetically modified and naturally occurring baculoviruses in an aquatic environment, replicate (three) outdoor, aquatic microcosms were spiked with spruce budworm viruses [Ireland strain of Choristoneura fumiferana multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (CfMNPV) and the recombinant CfMNPVegt(-)/lacZ(+)] at a rate of 1.86 x 10(10) occlusion bodies (OBs) m(-2) of surface area. The presence of virus in water samples collected at various times after inoculation was determined by PCR amplification of baculoviral DNA extracted from OBs.