Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Microbes in Human Welfare

Question:

Baculoviruses are primarily used in agriculture for:

Options:

Enhancing plant growth

Controlling insect pests through species-specific viral infections

Fertilizing the soil

Promoting fungal growth

Correct Answer:

Controlling insect pests through species-specific viral infections

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) - Controlling insect pests through species-specific viral infections

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