Publication

Abstract : India has moved from an era of food shortages to a status of food self-sufficiency through improved modern agricultural technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. However, various constraints exist during the cultivation of the crop, which limits its production and productivity. In achieving the green revolution, chemicals have played a significant role in improving production and productivity. Nevertheless, continuous and indiscriminate use of insecticides pollute the environment and create health hazards to human beings. In this regard, biological control is an alternative strategy, which will be eco-friendly, cost-effective, restores soil fertility, and provides residue-free products. Of late, entomopathogenic bioagents have been exploited by the scientists for the management of various insect pests in modern agriculture. Of the various bioagents, viruses are being used as a promising tool for the management of economically important insect pests. Various viruses, viz. Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV), Granulosis viruses (GV) and Cytoplasmic Polyhedrosis viruses were used for the management of insect pests throughout the world. The host-specific viral particles are ingested by the insects and the virions infect the gut wall cells, fat body, and hemolymph, leading to death of the insects. The characteristics of the entomopathogenic viruses and the molecular mechanisms by which they infect and kill the insects needs to be explored in a detailed manner. Insect virus formulations have been developed by various research groups throughout the world and used for the management of insect pests. However, the mode of action, pathogenicity, time and duration of infection, specificity, persistence, etc. need to be considered for the development of stable and effective formulations. This review will highlight the characteristics of insect viruses, pathogenicity and mode of action, various formulations and their application in the management of insect pests.