New cell line established from pupal ovaries of Spodoptera litura F. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Steady growth of cells from pupal ovaries of tobacco cutworm, S. litura was observed 107 days after initiation. Three cell types, viz. Epithelial-like cells (91%), fibroblast-like cells (7%) and giant cells (2%) could be distinguished. The cells grew loosely attached to the glass/plastic surface and could be easily dispersed by pipetting. The cells could be cryopreserved and at present are at 126th passage level. The chromosome number was high ranging from 41-200 and even more. Electron microscopy indicated the presence of virus-like particles in the nucleii of a fraction of the cell population. The cells were susceptible to nuclear polyhedrosis virus, Autographa californica.