NEETZoologyMicrobes in Human Welfare
What is the advantage of using Baculoviruses in biological control?
Options
- AThey are toxic and harmful to the environment
- BThey attack beneficial insects
- CThey have no negative impacts on the environment
- DThey are not effective in controlling pests
Correct answer
C. They have no negative impacts on the environment
Step-by-step solution
Baculoviruses are pathogens that attack insects and other arthropods. The majority of baculoviruses used as biological control agents are in the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus. These viruses are excellent candidates for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications. They have been shown to have no negative impacts on plants, mammals, birds, fish or even on non-target insects. This is especially desirable when beneficial insects are being conserved to aid in an overall integrated pest management (IPM) prog