Baculoviruses as Biological Control — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptBaculoviruses 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 candidates for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications. They have been shown to have no negative impacts on plants, mammals, birds, fish or even on non-target insects. This is especially desirable when beneficial insects are being conserved to aid in an overall integrated pest management (IPM) programme, or when an ecologically sensitive area is being treated.
Which of the following statements about biocontrol agents and their targets are NOT correct? S1: Ladybird beetles are effective in eliminating mosquito populations in agricultural fields. S2: Bacillus thuringiensis is primarily used for controlling plant fungal diseases. S3: Baculoviruses, particularly Nucleopolyhedrovirus, are examples of broad-spectrum insecticidal agents, harming various beneficial insects. S4: Trichoderma species are free-living fungi that function as biocontrol agents against root-borne plant pathogens. S5: Bt-cotton plants are developed to resist attack by specific insect pests, such as butterfly caterpillars.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: D — S1, S2 and S3
The question requires identifying incorrect statements regarding various biocontrol agents and their specific targets, drawing from the 'Microbes as Biocontrol Agents' section. S1: Incorrect. NCERT states, "The very familiar beetle with red and black markings – the Ladybird...are useful to get rid of aphids..." Dragonflies are useful for getting rid of mosquitoes. S2: Incorrect. NCERT states, "Bacillus thuringiensis (often written as Bt )... can be introduced in order to control butterfly caterpillars..." Bt is used for controlling insect larvae, not plant fungal diseases. S3: Incorrect. NCERT states, "Baculoviruses...Nucleopolyhedrovirus. These viruses are excellent candidates for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications. They have been shown to have no negative impacts on plants, mammals, birds, fish or even on non-target insects." Thus, they are not broad-spectrum agents harming beneficial insects. S4: Correct. NCERT states, "Trichoderma species are free-living fungi that are very common in the root ecosystems. They are effective biocontrol agents of several plant pathogens." S5: Correct. NCERT states, "scientists have introduced B. thuringiensis toxin genes into plants. Such plants are resistant to attack by insect pests. Bt-cotton is one such example...". Butterfly caterpillars are an example of insect pests targeted by Bt. Therefore, statements S1, S2, and S3 are NOT correct. This question emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific roles and characteristics of different biocontrol agents to apply them effectively and sustainably in agriculture.
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