Insect pathogens: which statement is true?

Insect pathogens: which statement is true?

• A. Insects may be infested with many pathogens including viruses.
• B. Viruses cannot infect insects.
• C. Bacteria are the only pathogens for insects.
• D. Insects are not affected by pathogens.

Answer: (A)

Insects can be attacked by a variety of disease-causing agents, not just one type. They can be infected by viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and even certain nematodes. Because of this diversity, the statement that insects may be infested with many pathogens including viruses is true and reflects how pathogens interact with insect hosts in both natural ecosystems and pest management contexts. For example, baculoviruses are used as biocontrol agents against caterpillars, and fungal pathogens like Beauveria bassiana or Metarhizium anisopliae can infect a wide range of insect pests, while bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis act as biological insecticides. The other ideas don’t fit with how insect health works: viruses can and do infect insects; bacteria are not the only pathogens that can affect them; and insects can indeed be affected by pathogens.

Insects can be attacked by a variety of disease-causing agents, not just one type. They can be infected by viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and even certain nematodes. Because of this diversity, the statement that insects may be infested with many pathogens including viruses is true and reflects how pathogens interact with insect hosts in both natural ecosystems and pest management contexts. For example, baculoviruses are used as biocontrol agents against caterpillars, and fungal pathogens like Beauveria bassiana or Metarhizium anisopliae can infect a wide range of insect pests, while bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis act as biological insecticides.

The other ideas don’t fit with how insect health works: viruses can and do infect insects; bacteria are not the only pathogens that can affect them; and insects can indeed be affected by pathogens.