NEETZoologyMicrobes in Human Welfare
What are the impacts of baculoviruses used as biological control agents?
Options
- ANegative impacts on plants, mammals, birds, fish or non-target insects
- BNo negative impacts on the environment
- CPositive impacts on the environment
- DSignificant environmental pollution
Correct answer
B. 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