Baculoviruses as biopesticides [Review]

摘要

Baculoviruses have been recognized as possessing the ability to develop into potential biopesticides, besides their widespread use as expression vectors. These insect-specific viruses can be developed and used against insect pests of the order Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera which are a threat to many agricultural crops and forest trees. Attempts to meet the failure of naturally occurring baculoviruses to overcome certain limitations in their commercialization and widespread use as bio-pesticide have been made by genetically modifying the baculoviruses using the baculovirus expression vector system technology. This mini-review attempts to give an overall picture of the development 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. [References: 34]