Genome Sequencing of Cotesia sesamiae Kitale Bracovirus. Cotesia sesamiae Kitale bracovirus

Polydnavirus (PDV) genomes exist in two forms: a provirus form composed of multiple segments integrated into the parasitoid wasp genome, and a free form composed of several double stranded DNA circles, packaged in viral particles and injected into lepidopteran host. The large number of virulence genes encoded in PDV genomes illustrates the complexe relationships linking PDVs, wasps and lepidopteran hosts. Here we sequenced the free form of the Cotesia sesamiae Kitale Bracovirus genome to understand the role of PDVs in the adaptation and/or specialization of parasitoid wasps to particular host panel.