Soil as an Environmental Reservoir for Baculoviruses: Persistence, Dispersal and Role in Pest Control

Baculoviruses are DNA viruses that can naturally control insects and form the basis for a range of biological insecticides. These occluded in crystalline protein matrix, occlusion body (OB), which favors their persistence environment until consumed by susceptible insect. This review presents evidence baculoviruses perfectly adapted to persist soil. In support this assertion, detailed is presented concerning stability virus OBs soil, mechanisms processes affect OB transport movement through soil layers, back host’s foodplant subsequent transmission. The reservoir interacts with host insect, biotic abiotic factors environment, all influence function reservoir. Agricultural practices conserve result improved pest control. also an overlooked source genetic diversity design baculovirus-based Finally, principal issues remain be elucidated highlighted, particularly reference those soil–baculovirus relationship impact on insect populations.