Biological pesticides, in particular the microbial formulations, are fundamentally different from chemical pesticides in the nature and mode of action of the active agent. The pesticidal action is dependent on the activities of living organisms. Identification, detection and monitoring methods for biological pesticides, because of their nature and characteristics, are divergent from those classically associated with chemical toxicants. Therefore, a new class of standardized, specific and sensitive methods must be developed. One objective of this grant was the development, adaptation and application of specific sensitive diagnostic and clinical techniques for identification, detection and monitoring of viral pesticides. A portion of this research was also commited to study some of the basic biology and characteristics of baculoviruses so that a more thorough understanding of the limitations of the developed monitoring technology would be better understood. This technology can now be applied for the assessment of health and ecological effects, as well as for regulatory concerns.

"May 1980." "EPA-600/1-80-020." "Dr. Max D. Summers, Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University." "Health Effects Research Laboratory, Environmental Toxicology Division (MD 67), Toxic Effects Branch." "Project Officer, Dr. Clinton Y. Kawanishi." Includes bibliographical references. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Contract Number: Grant #805232.