The role of Baculoviruses :
(i) 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 species-specific, biocontrol agents and have narrow spectrum insecticidal applications. They have been shown to have no negative impacts on plants, mammals, birds, fish or even on non-target insects.
Importance in organic farming :
(i) Baculoviruses are known to control pests like, potato beetles, aphids and corn borers.
(ii) Entomopox Virus is another Baculovirus which adversely affect the rate of development of grasshopper and the amount of food it eats.
