Question

Assertion (A) : Nucleopolyhedrovirus are useful as they are good biocontrol agents.

Reason (R) : They are species-specific, narrow spectrum bioinsecticides.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

NPV is a baculovirus that infects only a few insect species, which makes it a safe biocontrol agent.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the virus:
Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) is a baculovirus. It infects insects and other arthropods. It is used as a biological control agent.

Step 2: Check the Assertion:
NPVs kill insect pests such as caterpillars and are used in integrated pest management. So they are good biocontrol agents. (A) is true.

Step 3: Check the Reason:
Each NPV infects only a narrow range of host insects. It does not harm plants, mammals, birds, fish or beneficial insects. So these are species-specific, narrow spectrum bioinsecticides. (R) is true.

Step 4: Link R to A:
Being species-specific and narrow spectrum is exactly what makes a good biocontrol agent. It spares non-target organisms. So R explains A.

Step 5: Pick the code:
Both are true and R explains A. This is code (A), the first option.

Final Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
\[ \boxed{\text{Option (1)}} \]