Question

Identify the biocontrol agent that lacks a cellular structure

• A. Bacillus thuringiensis
• B. Trichoderma
• C. Nucleopolyhedrovirus
• D. Ladybird beetle

Answer 1

The correct option is C Nucleopolyhedrovirus

Biocontrol refers to the use of biological methods for controlling plant diseases and pests rather than the use of chemicals.

Given below are examples of biocontrol agents:

• Ladybird beetles (arthropods) are used to get rid of aphids (pests). The ladybird beetle is a beneficial predatory insect that feeds on aphids.
• Another excellent example of a biocontrol agent is baculovirus. These viruses are pathogens that attack arthropods (majorly insects). The baculoviruses which belong to the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus are majorly used as biocontrol agents against insect pests. They are species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications which means that they target only specific species.
• Bt toxin is a crystalline toxic protein obtained from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. They act against lepidopteran insect pests.
• Trichoderma is a free-living fungus found in many root ecosystems. It is highly effective in controlling many plant pathogens.

Nucleopolyhedroviruses are viruses and hence they lack a cellular structure. All other organisms given in the options have cellular organization.