Bacculoviruses: A Novel Approach in Integrated Pest Management

Author: Pathania S.S., Mushtaq T., Bano P., Sofi M.A., Kumar S., Nisa B.U., Zahoor S. and Mushtaq H.

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Abstract

Overdependence and indiscriminate use of synthetic chemical insecticides has poisoned almost every component of the environment, besides leading to insecticide resistance among insects, secondary pest outbreaks, residue problems in consumable commodities and human health hazards. In recent years, the utmost emphasis is being placed on use of bio pesticides and other non-chemical methods to manage insect- pests. Much of the current research and attention is being emphasized on the use of Microbial pesticides such as viruses, fungi, bacteria etc. for integrated pest management. Viruses of few families are known to infect vertebrates but only those belonging to family Baculoviridae have been used as biocontrol agents or commercialized as biopesticides. Baculoviruses are self-perpetuating, host specific, safer to natural enemies and known for causing high epizootic levels and are known to regulate many insect populations in nature. Their host-specificity is very high, usually restricted to a single or a few closely related insect species. Baculoviruses based pesticides are compatible with integrated pest management strategies and the expansion of their application will significantly reduce the risks associated with the use of synthetic chemical insecticides. Baculoviruses are being considered as one of the viable options to chemical pesticides as they are target specific, least toxic to natural enemies besides environment friendly. This review attempts to give an overall picture of baculoviruses as eco-friendly potential control agents, in view of the recognition of hazards posed by the more commonly used chemical insecticides in recent years. Still now, commercialization of baculoviruses is a major challenge, therefore researchers and stakeholders give attention to optimize massive production of baculoviruses for integrated insect pest management.

Keywords

Baculoviruses, Biopesticides, Nuclear Polyhedrosis viruses, Granulosis viruses, Virions, Lepidoptera

Conclusion

The use of synthetic insecticides will be continued due to limited information of alternative insect pest management practices. The effective public extension services, government policies, and farmer education are important to expand the use of viral insecticides as well as for further development in the production and use of these insecticides. In addition, introducing and evaluating commercial available baculoviruses bio-insecticides need to be practiced.

References

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How to cite this article

Pathania S.S., Mushtaq T., Bano P., Sofi M.A., Kumar S., Nisa B.U., Zahoor S. and Mushtaq H. (2023). Bacculoviruses: A Novel Approach in Integrated Pest Management. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 77-82.