Circular configuration of the genome of ascoviruses.

Abstract

A circular configuration of genomic DNA was observed in ascoviruses isolated from two species of insects of the family Noctuidae [fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa zea)] using restriction endonuclease (REN) digestion, conventional gel electrophoresis, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and Southern hybridization analysis. This circular configuration of ascovirus genomic DNA was established based on the difference between linear and circular DNA in the numbers of fragments resolved on agarose gel electrophoresis after single and double REN digestion. Genomic DNA of ascoviruses was found to be sheared after purification.