Baculoviruses are particularly effective in targeting which of the following?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Insects and arthropods
Baculoviruses are used in biological control of pests. They are pathogens that attack insects and other arthropods. Most of the baculoviruses used for this purpose belong to the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus. They act on particular species only (narrow spectrum), and they do no harm to plants, mammals, birds, fish or even non-target insects. So they suit integrated pest management, where useful insects have to be saved.
NCERT Extract:
Microbes as Biocontrol Agents – “… 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.”