Novel genotypes of Chrysodeixis chalcites single nucleopolyhedrovirus (Chch SNPV), a procedure for its production and use as a biological control agent. Three novel genotypes of Chrysodeixis chalcites nucleopolyhedrvirus, Chch SNPV, are described, that were purified from the same isolate from the Canary Islands. Each genotype has an insecticidal activity against C. chalcites larvae comparable with that of other biological insecticides. The mixture of the three genotypes, particularly in the ratio 36:26:14, in the form of mixtures of single genotype occlusion bodies or mixtures of co-occluded virions, is capable of controlling C. chalcites pests in banana more efficiently than commonly used chemical or biological insecticides, representing one of the most active nucleopolyhedrovirus-based insecticides developed to date. Its use as an insecticide represents a safe technology for vertebrates, as the virus is specific to invertebrates. Moreover it can be easily and abundantly produced by oral inoculation of C. chalcites larvae with Chch SNPV occlusion bodies.
