The role of Baculoviruses :
- Baculoviruses are pathogens that attack insects and other arthropods. The mojority 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 no negative impacts on plants, mammals, birds, fish or even on non-target insects.
Importance in organic farming : - Baculoviruses are known to control pests like, potato beetles, aphids and corn borers.
- Entomopox virus is another Baculovirus which adversely affect the rate of development of grasshopper and the amount of food it eats.