Potentiation of epizootic viral infections of insects

摘要

The present invention describes a method for inducing epizootic viral infections in insects which consists essentially of potentiating the latent virulence of indigenous insect viruses by contacting the insect with, or applying to its habitat or food supply, a potentiating amount of a stilbene compound. This invention further describes a method for protecting agronomic crops, trees, shrubs, orchards and ornamentals from attack by an insect which employs the application of a stilbene compound to a plant.