CUET Preparation Today
What makes baculoviruses species-specific and suitable for sensitive ecological areas? |
Their ability to infect all insect species Their narrow-spectrum insecticidal application Their rapid effect on plant pathogens Their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil |
Their narrow-spectrum insecticidal application |
The correct answer is Option (2) → Their narrow-spectrum insecticidal application 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. |
