Trichoderma species are free-living fungi common around plant roots and can suppress several plant pathogens. Baculoviruses, particularly members of the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV), attack insects and other arthropods and can be used for narrow-spectrum pest control. These are different biological agents: a root-associated fungus can counter a plant pathogen, whereas a virus targets a susceptible insect host.

The specificity of many baculoviruses reduces unintended effects on other organisms in an integrated pest-management context. Still, narrow-spectrum does not mean they work on every pest or every crop disease. NCERT also pairs Trichoderma polysporum with cyclosporin A in industrial products; the shared genus should not cause you to assign the immunosuppressant role to baculoviruses. Match organism type, target and application.

Worked example: Root-associated Trichoderma checks a fungal plant pathogen; an NPV attacks a susceptible insect larva.

NCERT trap: Baculovirus is an insect-targeting virus, not the lactic acid bacterium of curd.

NEET method: Use a two-branch map: root disease → Trichoderma; insect target → NPV.

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Microbes in Human Welfare

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