Baculoviruses
Baculoviruses are a group of viruses that primarily infect insects, particularly caterpillars. They belong to the family Baculoviridae and are known for their rod-shaped structure. These viruses are often used in biological pest control because they can specifically target and kill harmful insect pests without affecting other organisms.
In addition to their role in pest management, baculoviruses are also valuable in biotechnology. Scientists use them as vectors to produce recombinant proteins, including vaccines and therapeutic agents. This makes baculoviruses important tools in research and the development of new medical treatments.