Nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) : baculoviruses
NPV and some granulosis viruses also possess insecticidal properties. Among these viruses, after Bt, beculovirus is the second most commonly used source of biopesticide worldwide. These viruses act as pathogens and cause fatal diseases in pests. Since they are target specific, they can combat some pests rather effectively Bollworms cause extensive damage to cotton and can be controlled by NPV. Since in India, 50% of insecticide is used for cotton alone, NPV can be very useful as an insecticide. Sandoz is marketing a product called ‘Elcar’, which is based on NPV. Baculovirus biopesticides are being produced only at a small scale, mainly be state agriculture departments, IPM centres and agricultural universities.