(i) Baculovirus are pathogens that attack insects and other arthropods. (ii) The majority of baculoviruses used as biocontrol agents are in genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus. (iii) These viruses are excellent for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications. (iv) They do not show negative impacts on plants, mammals, bird, fish or even non-target insects. Therefore, they play an important role as biocontrol agents.
Importance in organic farming: (i) It is desirable when beneficial insects are being conserved to aid in an overall Integrated Pest Management (I PM) programme. (ii) It is used to conserve beneficial insects and kill harmful ones.
Explain the role of baculoviruses as biological control agents. Mention their importance in organic farming.
Answers
Dharmesh
(i) Baculovirus are pathogens that attack insects and other arthropods.
(ii) The majority of baculoviruses used as biocontrol agents are in genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus.
(iii) These viruses are excellent for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications.
(iv) They do not show negative impacts on plants, mammals, bird, fish or even non-target insects.
Therefore, they play an important role as biocontrol agents.
Importance in organic farming:
(i) It is desirable when beneficial insects are being conserved to aid in an overall Integrated Pest Management (I PM) programme.
(ii) It is used to conserve beneficial insects and kill harmful ones.