Biological control of insects – Candidate virus family: Which virus family has received the most attention for development as biological control agents against insect pests?

Introduction:
Biological control seeks environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. Certain viruses specifically infect insects, offering species-targeted suppression with limited off-target impact. This question assesses awareness of the virus family most widely explored and deployed for insect biocontrol.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Biocontrol agents must be effective, host-specific, and safe for non-target species.
• Some DNA viruses naturally infect arthropods.
• Commercial formulations have been developed for forestry and crop protection.

Concept / Approach:
Baculoviruses (family Baculoviridae) infect insects (mainly Lepidoptera) and are renowned for their narrow host range and environmental stability as occlusion bodies. These features have made them the leading viral candidates for biological insect control in agriculture and forestry.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify viral families known for insect infection: Baculoviridae stands out.Step 2: Recognize production as occlusion bodies (polyhedra) facilitates formulation and field stability.Step 3: Compare alternatives: reoviruses, iridoviruses, and poxviruses have been studied but are less prominent for commercial biocontrol.Step 4: Select Baculoviridae as the best answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Multiple registered biopesticides are based on nucleopolyhedroviruses (a genus within Baculoviridae), validating their practical application and interest.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Reoviridae/Iridoviridae: studied but not the mainstay of commercial insect biocontrol.
• Poxviridae: include vertebrate pathogens like vaccinia; not primary insect biocontrol tools.
• Adenoviridae: primarily vertebrate hosts; not used for field biocontrol of insects.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any insect-infecting virus is equally used; overlooking the formulation advantages of baculoviral occlusion bodies.

Final Answer:
Baculoviridae.