Bacillus thuringiensis as biocontrol agent (i) Through genetic engineering, the gene coding for the toxic protein is introduced into crop plants, which make them resistant to insect pests. (ii) When they are eaten by the larvae, the toxin becomes active in the gut of larvae and kills the larvae. (iii) They are available in sachets as dried spores, which have to be mixed with water and sprayed onto vulnerable plants.
Baculovirus (Nucleopolyhedrovirus) as biocontrol agents: (i) These are excellent candidates for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal application. (ii) They show no negative impact on plants, mammals, birds, fish or even non-target insects. (iii) These are especially desirable when beneficial insects are being conserved to aid in an overall Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme.
How are baculoviruses and Bacillus thuringiensis used as biocontrol agents? Why are they preferred over readily available chemical pesticides?
Answers
Pramod
Bacillus thuringiensis as biocontrol agent
(i) Through genetic engineering, the gene coding for the toxic protein is introduced into crop plants, which make them resistant to insect pests.
(ii) When they are eaten by the larvae, the toxin becomes active in the gut of larvae and kills the larvae.
(iii) They are available in sachets as dried spores, which have to be mixed with water and sprayed onto vulnerable plants.
Baculovirus (Nucleopolyhedrovirus) as biocontrol agents:
(i) These are excellent candidates for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal application.
(ii) They show no negative impact on plants, mammals, birds, fish or even non-target insects.
(iii) These are especially desirable when beneficial insects are being conserved to aid in an overall Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme.