Question

Name the genus to which baculoviruses belong. Describe their role in integrated pest management programmes.

Answer 1

Baculoviruses belong to the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus.
Baculoviruses act as biological control agents, which are a spices-specific and narrow spectrum. They attack insects and other arthropods but do not have a negative impact on plants, mammals, birds, fish, and other beneficial insects. As a result, beneficial insects are conserved and harmful pests attacked. This makes them useful in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme.