Abstract
Baculoviruses are the most studied group of invertebrate viruses and are unique among the invertebrate viruses in how important they have become to many other fields of research. This has largely come about through their development as one of the premiere eukaryotic protein expression systems available today (Kost and Condreay, 1999). Despite this wide use of baculoviruses, much oftheir biology remains to be deciphered. By combining the knowledge being derived from baculovirus genome analysis with studies into the biology of these viruses and their hosts, many advances are being made in our understanding of how these viruses work. Baculovirus genome analysis is also providing the basis for elucidating the roles of many baculovirus genes. This is giving new leads into how baculoviruses can be better utilised or improved, and supplying genes that have the potential to be used effectively in other pest control strategies.