Tritrophic interactions of a baculovirus and a grass endophyte associated with biological control of the black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon)

Interactions between insect herbivores and their pathogens can be influenced by plant defensive chemicals and endosymbionts. Some plant secondary chemicals can facilitate infection by entomopathogens, whereas others may deactivate pathogens in the insect gut when the two are consumed together (Cory & Hoover 2006). This paper explores the potential tritrophic interactions of a baculovirus, a grass endophyte, and the black cutworm.