Explain the role of baculoviruses as biological control agents. Mention their importance in organic farming.

Explanation

Baculoviruses are pathogens that attack insects and other arthropods. The majority of baculoviruses used as biological cantrol agents are in the genus-Nucleopoly-hedrovirus.
These viruses are excellent candidates for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications.
Importance in organic farmic : The use of the chemical fertilisers to meet the ever-increasing demand of agricultural products has contributed significantly to enviromental pollution .
The over use of chemical fertilisers is problematic and there is a large pressure to switch to organic farming to use of bio-fertilisers.
Baculoviruses have beeb shown to have no negative impact on plant, mammals, birds, fish and even non-target insect.
This is useful in overall Integrated Pest Menagement (IPM).