Read the given passage and answer the following questions:

Biocontrol refers to the use of biological methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. In modern society, these problems have been tackled increasingly by the use of chemicals – by use of insecticides and pesticides. In agriculture, there is a method of controlling pests that relies on natural predation rather than introduced chemicals. The very familiar beetle with red and black markings – the Ladybird, and Dragonflies are useful to get rid of aphids and mosquitoes, respectively. An example of microbial biocontrol agents that can be introduced in order to control butterfly caterpillars is the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (often written as Bt ). Because of the development of methods of genetic engineering in the last decade or so, the scientists have introduced B. thuringiensis toxin genes into plants. Such plants are resistant to attack by insect pests. A biological control being developed for use in the treatment of plant disease is the fungus Trichoderma. Trichoderma species are free-living fungi that are very common in the root ecosystems. They are effective biocontrol agents of several plant pathogens. 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.

Baculoviruses used as biological control agents primarily target which of the following?

Insects and other arthropods

The correct answer is Option (3)- Insects and other arthropods

Baculoviruses are a family of viruses that specifically target insects and other arthropods. They are highly specialized pathogens that have evolved to infect and replicate within the cells of their insect hosts. Baculoviruses can cause significant damage to insect populations, making them effective biocontrol agents against pest insects.

Baculoviruses have a high specificity for their target pests and do not harm plants, mammals, birds, fish, or other non-target insects. One of the significant advantages of using baculoviruses as biocontrol agents is their narrow spectrum of activity. They have a high degree of specificity for their target pests and typically do not harm non-target organisms, including plants, mammals, birds, fish, or other beneficial insects. This makes them environmentally friendly and suitable for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.