Why is Nucleopolyhedrovirus preferred for pest control in ecologically sensitive areas?

It is species-specific and harmless to non-target organisms.

The correct answer is Option (2) - It is species-specific and harmless to non-target organisms.

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