The role of baculoviruses in controlling insect pests: A review

Abstract

Abstract Baculovirus play a major role in the control of insect pests that reduce the negative effect of synthetic insecticides on non-target groups and latter improve the integrated pest management for sustainable, effective and economical insect pest management practices. However, its impact on the control of insect pests is not well recognized. This review assesses the role of baculoviruses in controlling insect pests and indicates future research areas. Many viruses occur naturally, but some are produced commercially. Baculovirus is one of the microbial biopesticides that play an important role in providing pest management tools in areas where pesticide resistance, niche markets, and environmental concerns reduce the use of synthetic insecticide products. The Nucleopolyhedrovirus and Granulovirus are the two major groups of baculoviruses used as microbial biocontrol agents. Baculoviruses are important for insect pest management, reducing insecticide resistance and host specificity. On the other hand, the high specificity of baculoviruses is reported as a limitation for agricultural uses, since growers may need one product to use against a different pest. However, virologists have been working on increase the effectiveness of viral biocontrol agents through genetic engineering. Genetic engineering plays a vital role to improve insect killing rates, infectivity, and ultraviolet resistance to enhance viruses for insect control. Recombinant viruses have been engineered with the goal of shortening the time required for infection to kill insect pests. 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.