Which of the following statements regarding baculoviruses as biocontrol agents is/are correct ?

Options

A. The majority of baculovirus used as biocontrol agents are included in the genus-Nucleopolyhedrovirus
B. Infection with baculoviruses occurs when susceptible hosts (e.g., some specific insects) eat virus particle present on foliage and dies.
C. These are important in organic farming because of their specific action on harmful insects without causing and damage to beneficial insects as well as to the environment
D. All of these

Answer

To determine which statements regarding baculoviruses as biocontrol agents are correct, we can analyze the properties and applications of baculoviruses. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Baculoviruses**:
- Baculoviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses that primarily infect insects. They are known for their specificity towards certain insect hosts.

**Hint**: Remember that baculoviruses are specific to certain insect species, which is crucial for their role as biocontrol agents.

2. **Host Specificity**:
- Baculoviruses exhibit host specificity, meaning they infect only closely related insect species. This characteristic is important for minimizing the impact on non-target organisms.

**Hint**: Focus on the term "host specificity" and how it relates to the effectiveness of baculoviruses in controlling pest populations without harming beneficial insects.

3. **Narrow Spectrum Insecticidal Application**:
- Due to their host specificity, baculoviruses have a narrow spectrum of insecticidal action. They are effective against specific pests, making them useful in pest management strategies.

**Hint**: Consider how the narrow spectrum of action can be beneficial in agricultural settings, particularly in organic farming.

4. **Impact on Non-Target Organisms**:
- Baculoviruses do not negatively affect non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and the environment. This makes them an environmentally friendly option for pest control.

**Hint**: Think about the implications of using biocontrol agents that do not harm beneficial species or the ecosystem.

5. **Evaluating the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: The majority of baculoviruses used as biocontrol agents belong to the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus. This is true.
- **Statement 2**: Infection occurs when susceptible hosts consume virus particles. This is also true.
- **Statement 3**: Baculoviruses are important in organic farming due to their specific action on harmful insects without affecting beneficial ones. This statement is true as well.

6. **Conclusion**:
- All the provided statements regarding baculoviruses as biocontrol agents are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is that all statements (option 4) are true.

### Final Answer:
All statements regarding baculoviruses as biocontrol agents are correct.