Why are baculoviruses considered environmentally safe for pest control?

They specifically target insect pests without harming plants, mammals, birds, fish, or non-target insects

The correct answer is Option (3) → They specifically target insect pests without harming plants, mammals, birds, fish, or non-target insects

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) programme, or when an ecologically sensitive area is being treated.