From soil to foliage: the odyssey of the Baculoviruses

Abstract

Although invisible to the naked eye, baculoviruses, and insect-pathogenic viruses, are the protagonists of a fascinating story that plays out daily in agricultural fields. This article will take us through the silent odyssey of baculoviruses, from their permanence in the soil to their ascent to plant foliage, where they await ingestion by Lepidoptera larvae. This odyssey occurs thanks to the exploitation of factors such as rain, wind, or the intervention of other insects, which culminates in a highly efficient infection within the body of the host insect. These insect-specific viruses have evolved an extraordinary ability to survive for months or even years in the soil, protected by a protein structure called an inclusion body, which allows them to find the perfect moment to initiate their infection cycle. Beyond their unusual nature, these viruses represent a powerful and environmentally friendly tool for pest control, offering a natural alternative to chemical insecticides. Their specificity, persistence, and environmental compatibility make them key allies for more sustainable agriculture.