Which one of the following microbes is used as biological control agent?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Nucleopolyhedrovirus
A biological control agent is a living organism used to control a pest or a disease instead of a chemical. Baculoviruses attack insects and other arthropods. Most baculoviruses used for this work belong to the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus. They kill only the target insect and do not harm plants, mammals, birds or fish.
(1) Methanobacterium — Incorrect. It is a methane-producing bacterium found in the anaerobic sludge and in the rumen of cattle. It helps in making biogas.
(2) Monascus — Incorrect. The yeast Monascus purpureus makes statins, which lower blood cholesterol.
(3) Saccharomyces — Incorrect. Brewer’s yeast is used to make bread and to ferment malt, fruit juices and cereals into alcohol.
(4) Nucleopolyhedrovirus — Correct. It is a virus used against insect pests.
NCERT Extract:
Microbes as Biocontrol Agents – …
