Successful transmission of Solenopsis invicta virus 3 to field colonies of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) is a positive sense, single stranded virus that exhibits host specificity toward saevissima complex fire ants. The virus is being considered for release as a biological control agent in areas in which the virus is absent. This study demonstrates that field transmission is possible.