Identify the correct examples of biocontrol agents?
A. Bacillus thuringiensis
B. Baculoviruses
C. Glomus
D. Trichoderma
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A, B and D only
A biocontrol agent is a living organism used to control a pest or a plant disease.
(A) Bacillus thuringiensis — Correct. This bacterium makes a toxin protein that kills insect pests, so it is used as a biocontrol agent.
(B) Baculoviruses — Correct. These viruses attack insects and other arthropods. They affect only a narrow range of species, so they are safe to use in pest management.
(C) Glomus — Incorrect. Glomus is a fungus that forms mycorrhiza with plant roots. It helps the plant absorb phosphorus, so it is a biofertiliser, not a biocontrol agent.
(D) Trichoderma — Correct. This fungus lives freely in the soil and root zone, and it controls several plant disease-causing fungi.