Question

1. Give an example of a genus of virus used as narrow spectrum insecticidal biocontrol agent.
2. How does its use serve as an aid in overall integrated pest management programme?

Answer 1

1. Most of the baculoviruses used as biological control agents are in the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus.
2. Baculoviruses (Nucleopolyhedroviruses) are great biocontrol agents for species-specific, narrow-spectrum insecticidal applications. They have no adverse effects on plants, mammals, birds, fish, or non-target insects. These are especially crucial when it comes to preserving beneficial insects as part of an overall Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme. These viruses aid in the control of pests such as potato beetles, aphids, and corn borers.