Baculoviridae subgroups — Which of the following are recognized subgroups within baculoviruses used in insect pathology and biocontrol?

Introduction / Context:
Baculoviridae is a family of large, double-stranded DNA viruses that infect insects, especially Lepidoptera. In applied microbiology and biocontrol, students frequently encounter the two principal subgroups used for field and lab work. Recognizing these subgroups helps in selecting appropriate viral agents for pest management and in interpreting literature on viral bioinsecticides.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Baculoviruses are classified into distinct groups based on occlusion body morphology and genome traits.
• NPVs and GVs are the classic, widely cited subgroups within Baculoviridae.
• Some insect viruses used in control (for example Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus) belong to other families (Nudiviridae), not Baculoviridae.

Concept / Approach:
The key distinction historically is that Nuclear Polyhedrosis Viruses (NPVs) form polyhedral occlusion bodies containing multiple virions, whereas Granulosis Viruses (GVs) form granular occlusion bodies typically with a single virion. Both are true baculoviruses and have been developed as bioinsecticides. Viruses of the Oryctes type are nudiviruses and therefore do not belong to Baculoviridae.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard virology references and pest-management manuals consistently group NPVs and GVs under Baculoviridae, while nudiviruses are placed separately.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• NPVs alone or GVs alone are incomplete answers.
• Oryctes-type nudiviruses are not baculoviruses.
• None of these: incorrect, because NPVs and GVs are baculoviruses.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “occlusion body viruses” broadly and assuming all insect DNA viruses are baculoviruses; taxonomy distinguishes nudiviruses from baculoviruses.

Final Answer:
Both (a) and (b)