NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The majority of baculoviruses used as biological control agents are in the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus, so “baculovirus” or “virus” will hereafter refer to nucleopolyhedroviruses. These viruses are excellent candidates for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications.

Detailed explanation-2: -The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, is a major pest of cotton and other crops, and with the intensive use of chemical insecticides it has developed resistance in many parts of the world. One approach to counteract this resistance has been the use of baculoviruses for control of this insect.

Detailed explanation-3: -Nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) are double-stranded, circular DNA viruses that are being studied for their potential as biological control agents for use against several lepidopteran pests that cause severe losses in agriculture and forestry.

Detailed explanation-4: -They are effective biocontrol agents that have a high specificity. They selectively invade insects and arthropods and are suitable for species-specific narrow-spectrum insecticides. They possess double-stranded DNA that is species-specific and does not cause any harm to non-target organisms.

Detailed explanation-5: -The most common and effective type of insect viruses are the baculoviruses, which as a group are known to infect over 600 insect species worldwide. Most baculoviruses infect caterpillars, which are the immature form of moths and butterflies.