Baculoviruses are primarily used in agriculture for: |
Enhancing plant growth Controlling insect pests through species-specific viral infections Fertilizing the soil Promoting fungal growth |
Controlling insect pests through species-specific viral infections |
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 |