CUET Preparation Today
Why are baculoviruses considered desirable for use in integrated pest management (IPM) programs? |
They are highly toxic to all organisms. They have no negative impact on non-target species such as mammals, birds, or beneficial insects. They are fast-acting on all pests. They help increase plant growth. |
They have no negative impact on non-target species such as mammals, birds, or beneficial insects. |
The correct answer is Option (2) → They have no negative impact on non-target species such as mammals, birds, or beneficial 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. |
