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Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are biocontrol agents that are used to control a wide variety of insect pests within agriculture and forestry. In addition to their use as bio-pesticides, EPNs have a fascinating biology and are thus considered model organisms in ecology, symbiosis and pathogenesis. This book presents basic knowledge and diverse applications to illustrate how EPNs play an important role as potent biocontrol solutions. It describes: Fundamental concepts such as biology, taxonomy, symbiosis genomics and behavioural ecology. Aspects of commercialization, including mass production, formulation, safety and regulation, and marketing. Diverse cropping systems e.g. maize, wheat and grains, citrus, orchard systems, berries, vine crops, vegetables and turf. Other applications including urban, nursery, forestry, greenhouse, veterinary and medical. Ecological considerations and applications in conservation biocontrol. This book is a must have for all pest management professionals including those practicing integrated pest management strategies.

Lack of clean water, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient infection prevention and control promote the spread of parasites. The discovery of antiparasitic drugs was considered a milestone in the veterinary and medical sciences, but their use has subsequently become limited due to the emergence of resistance. While plenty of attention has been given in human and animal health communities to the global threat of antimicrobial drug resistance, specific antiparasitic advice is less available. This book provides an in-depth view of the issue for parasitologists, pharmacologists and veterinary scientists. Specifically discussing antiparasitic drug resistance mechanisms and factors responsible for the problem, it covers: The physiological basis of parasitism; Resistance across protozoa, helminths, insects, mites and ticks; Molecular and phenotypic diagnostic methods; Practical strategies for mitigating resistance development. While it is clear that the veterinary field urgently requires the development of new antiparasitic drugs, of equal or even increased importance is the evaluation of alternative therapies and formulation of stringent policies to ensure appropriate drug use in veterinary practice. Highlighting the importance and development of resistance across different parasite groups, this book covers factors responsible for resistance development and advises strategies for effective stewardship and resistance mitigation.

Parasitoid wasps are cosmopolitan, numerous and enormously diverse with probably one million or more species worldwide, most of which occur in the moist tropics. Their ecological importance is enormous although perhaps most evident in their major roles in the control of insect pest populations. In natural ecosystems they are integral in regulating populations of a vast number of insects, and therefore are key players in terrestrial food webs. Knowledge of their biology is still very poor because the current state of taxonomy is still in its infancy in most parts of the world. In this book, we provide an overview of the more than 30 families of parasitoid wasps that occur in the 11 countries in South East Asia. Particular emphasis is given to those most commonly encountered and reared, as well as to those used in biological control programmes. Outlines of the morphology, biology, ecology and behaviour of each family, as well as of various important subfamilies are presented. The current state of taxonomy in the region is summarised. Other chapters cover basic biology, behaviour, morphological terminology, phylogeny and methods of specimen collecting, preparation and rearing with particular relevance to the tropics. Modern molecular approaches to speeding taxonomic description of hyperdiverse taxa are considered in depth. All groups are illustrated with colour photographs. This book will be of value to professional entomologists, academics, entomology students and the growing body of amateur entomologists and insect photographers.

The management and control of pests in the urban environment in the 21st Century faces many challenges. Pest populations adapt to changing conditions brought about by environmental changes caused by global warming, human population growth, and increased pollution. Urban pests are able to expand their ranges, densities, and habitats, sometimes causing large-scale damage and disease. This book provides collective insights from academic and industry experts on perspectives concerning urban pest management and regulatory innovations arising from the rapid onset of recent environmental challenges. Chapter topics address pest biology, advances in urban pest management practices, emerging urban pest control developments, new technologies, and regulations. The book describes new methods of pest control, their impacts on human health and the environment, and strategies for integrated management limiting the use of chemicals. It provides a practical resource for researchers and policy makers in pest management, urban health, medical entomology and environmental science. This title provides: An up-to-date and comprehensive resource on environmental urban pest management. A resource designed to appeal to pest control operators, public health professionals, and a range of field workers, as well as researching academics and graduate students. Insights from both academic and industry experts together in one volume.

The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, is the most destructive and invasive termite species globally. It is also the only termite species listed in the world's 100 worst invasive alien species of the Global Invasive Species Database. Annually, its infestation costs more than $4 billion in control and damage repairs in the USA alone. This book is the first comprehensive resource drawing on all the literature on C. formosanus since Tokuichi Shiraki first described the species in 1909. The book covers the worldwide distribution of this species, its biogeography, and how it has dispersed from its native range in southern China and Taiwan to different parts of the world. It describes its present taxonomic status and discusses the species'biology, ecology, foraging behavior, physiology, chemical ecology and its association with symbionts. From a practical standpoint, the authors address all of the various management options for this species, such as baits, soil termiticides, wood preservatives, inspection and detection technologies, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. Lastly, there are chapters dedicated to another important destructive species, Coptotermes gestroi (the Asian subterranean termite), and the recently discovered C. formosanus/C. gestroi hybrids. This important book is an essential and valuable reference for researchers, graduate students, pest management professionals, chemical manufacturer personnel, building and property managers, and others. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the biology and management of the Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite.

This book explores mate-finding and courtship behaviour in the insect world, in all its subtlety and diversity. Insects engage in courtship as much, or as little, as any other animal; they have songs and dances, and all manner of instruments and ornaments to attract and court the opposite sex. Insects have evolved complex chemical and acoustic communication systems, sending fragrant messages, visual signals and subtle vibrations to attract and persuade. Insects also have many different ways and means of choosing or rejecting mating partners. This beautifully illustrated book shows the incredible variety of courtship behaviours and celebrates the wonderful natural history of a wide range of insects. Varieties of courtship can occur before, during and even after copulation, and numerous examples of the different mating strategies used are presented. As well as being fascinating and entertaining, studying courtship is also useful. For example, a knowledge of the courtship and mating behaviour of important pests helps researchers understand the dynamics of mate choice and sexual selection. Knowing which behaviours are directly related with mating success can be used to improve behaviour-based control strategies and improve sterile insect techniques. Knowledge of sex pheromones, and mating behaviour, can be combined to manage insect pests by mass or mating disruption. By studying model species - such as the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster - researchers have discovered how genes control and influence courtship behaviour, via proteins, biochemical pathways and neural circuits. This book integrates these diverse fields into a framework constructed around courtship and mate-finding, bringing together studies from the laboratory and the field. This landmark volume will be of interest to students of biology, entomologists, naturalists and anyone with a desire to know more about the love lives of the small creatures with which we share the planet.

Parasitism and Parasitic Control in Animals brings together all the details needed to appropriately manage parasites in domestic animals. It provides comprehensive coverage of parasites and factors affecting their transmission, principles of parasite control, diagnosis, and assessment of parasitological information. Beginning with an overview of the fundamentals of parasitism including a review of the parasites of zoonotic importance, the text then: - Covers a range of methods for effective parasite control, including chemotherapy, nutrition, pasture management, selective breeding, vaccination and more; - Considers drug resistance and parasitic infections; - Includes cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, poultry, pigs and fish, as well as wild animals in the context of intermediate hosts, vectors or as reservoirs of infection. With numerous new case histories and maps showing the spread of anthelmintic resistance, this textbook forms an essential guide for veterinary practitioners, students and technicians. It is also an invaluable resource for parasitologists, researchers, animal health professionals and anyone working with these parasites in developing countries.

The book summarizes the history of biological control in Latin America and the Caribbean. Few publications provide historical detail and the records are, therefore, fragmented until now. By bringing information together in this book, we offer a more complete picture of important developments in biological control on this continent. There are a wealth of text, tables and references about the history of such projects, and which were successful and which failed. This will help plan future biocontrol projects. An overview is provided of the current situation in biological control for many Latin American and Caribbean countries, revealing an astonishing level of practical biological control applied in the region, making it the largest area under biological control worldwide. The final part describes new developments and speculates about the future of biological control in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Invasive alien plants and animals are known for their disruption of ecosystems and threat to biodiversity. This book highlights their major impact on human health. This includes not only direct effects through contact with the species via bites, wounds and disease, but also indirect effects caused by changes induced in ecosystems by invasive species, such as more water hyacinth increasing mosquito levels and thereby the potential for malaria. Covering a wide range of case studies from different taxa (animals and plants), and giving an overview of the diverse impacts of invasive species on health in developed and developing countries, the book is a significant contribution that will help in prioritizing approaches to controlling invasive species and mitigating their health effects. It covers invasive plants, marine species, spiders and other arachnids, ticks and dust mites, insects, mosquitos and other diptera, freshwater species (invertebrates and fishes), amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals. Key Features Collects together the major health impacts for the first time Covers animal and plant invasive species Examines issues in developed and developing countries The broad spectrum of the analyzed case studies will ensure the appeal of the book to a wide public, including researchers of biological invasions, doctors, policy-makers and managers, and students of invasive species in ecology, animal and plant biology and public health medicine.

Naturally occurring toxins are among the most complicated and lethal in existence. Plant species, microorganisms and marine flora and fauna produce hundreds of toxic compounds for defence and to promote their chances of survival, and these can be isolated and appropriated for our own use. Many of these toxins have yet to be thoroughly described, despite being studied for years. Focusing on the natural toxins that are purely toxic to insects, this book contains over 500 chemical structures. It discusses the concepts and mechanisms involved in toxicity, bioassay procedures for evaluation, structure-activity relationships, and the potential for future commercialization of these compounds. A comprehensive review of the subject, this book forms an important source of information for researchers and students of crop protection, pest control, phytochemistry and those dealing in insect-plant interactions.

This book is a compilation of 23 globally relevant leafy medicinal plants, discussed as individual chapters. The first section deals with a general overview and importance of leafy medicinal plants. The second covers 23 leafy medicinal plants as individual chapters. Each crop is discussed under the sub headings, Botany, Chemistry, Post-harvest Technology and Uses. Under Botany, an introduction on the crop, its history/origin, geographical distribution and morphology is covered. The subsection on Chemistry focuses on the chemical composition and phytochemical aspects of each crop. Postharvest technology would concentrate on processing and value addition and under Uses, general and pharmacological uses of the crop would be covered.

This book is the first resource to review the influence of climate change on urban and public pests such as mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and wood pests, with respect to population, distribution, disease, damage and control. It systematically addresses how the impact of climate change on pests in urban areas differs from natural areas, focusing on the increased temperatures of urban locations, the effect of natural disasters, the manner of land use and the consequences of human habitation. Climate Change Impacts on Urban Pests: - covers key information on how climate change and urban pests affect human health - includes coverage of the impacts of natural disasters such as flooding looks at issues which could influence the management of pests - explores a range of international opinion from recognised authorities covering six continents. Presenting up-to-date knowledge, this book is an essential resource for researchers in urban pests, entomology and public health, as well as scientists, environmentalists and policy makers involved in studies on climate change.

A companion to'Urban Pest Management', this book builds on the issues of insect pests in urban settings to discuss control strategies that look beyond products. From an environmental and health perspective, it is not always practical to spray chemicals indoors or in urban settings, so this work discusses sustainable control and best practice methods for managing insects that are vectors of disease, nuisance pests and the cause of structural damage.

Urban pest management has recently faced dramatic change: advances in research and formulation technology now shape the products available and how they are applied. Bringing together ideas from both academic and private enterprises, this book covers methods of pest control, their impacts on human health and the environment, and strategies for integrated management that limits the use of harmful chemicals, providing a practical resource for researchers and policy makers in pest management, urban health, medical entomology and environmental science.

Pesticide resistance has had a substantial impact on crop production and has been an important driver of change in modern agriculture, animal production and human health. Focusing specifically on arthropods, this book provides a comprehensive review of relevant issues in pesticide resistance. Detailed listings and references to all documented reports of resistance from around the world are included.

Insects are a diverse, numerous and important group in aquatic habitats, occupying key functional and ecological roles. This edited volume brings together acknowledged experts in often disparate fields ranging from physiology through ecology to evolution to consider in a unified manner the challenges facing insect populations in aquatic environments and how they have adapted to achieve such prominence in virtually all habitats. It will be of central interest to researchers and students in aquatic insects and general entomology.

In an age of unprecedented human impact on the environment, insect conservation biology is of increasing importance. Due to their abundance, diversity and rapid response to environmental changes, insects are also valuable indicators of wider biodiversity, and make excellent models for conservation research and monitoring. Over 50 international experts have contributed to this authoritative and up-to-date compendium, covering many topics including climate change, habitat management, ecosystem processes, conservation genetics, impact of GM technology, and the integration of insects into wider conservation agendas.

This book provides a broad-ranging textbook on the relationships between forests and society. It discusses the ways in which society can interact with forest landscapes without adversely affecting their sustainability. Topics covered include attitudes to, and uses of forests, the creation of today's forest landscapes, the impact of humans on forests, and forest sustainability and human health. The book also examines emerging issues in forestry such as possible solutions to balancing societies'needs with forest sustainability, managing forests in the urban-wildland interface, and the impact of illegal logging. It is packed with real-world case studies from the USA, Australia, Bolivia, Botswana, Canada, China, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Thailand.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to manage pests through biological, cultural, physical and chemical means in order to minimize economic and environmental injury caused by such pests. Any comprehensive IPM programme requires an understanding of the ecological relationships between crops, pests, natural enemies and the environment. This book presents a series of review chapters on ecologically-based IPM. Topics covered range from the ecological effects of chemical control practices to the ecology of predator-prey and parasitoid-host systems.

This book documents and illustrates major developments in the use of nematodes for the biological control of insects and slugs. It covers the use of three main types of nematodes: entomopathogenic nematodes, entomophilic nematodes and slug-parasitic nematodes. The biology, commercial production, formulation and quality control, application technology, strategy and safety of each of these three nematode groups is discussed. The book also examines the application of nematodes in different cropping systems, and the efficacy of nematodes against specific pests. The potential of predatory nematodes to control plant-parasitic nematodes and mycophagous nematodes to control fungal pathogens is also reviewed.

Nematodes are the most abundant and diversified group in the animal kingdom, with four out of five animals on earth being nematodes. Nematology was first recognised as an independent discipline during the early part of the century and since that time has made unparalleled advances to become an integral part of biological sciences. Written as two volumes, this title provides a broad overview of our current knowledge of nematology. The first volume addresses basic biology, while this second volume covers applied aspects of nematodes as parasites of plants, humans and other animals, or as disease vectors, and the control of pest nematodes. The contributors to this work include the world's leading authorities from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, New Zealand, UK and USA. It will provide essential reading for researchers and students with an interest in nematology.

Biological control has made a major contribution to integrated pest management (IPM) in Africa, but its documentation has been scattered and often under-reported. This book provides a review of the most important studies, including not only successes, but also on-going challenges. The focus is on arthropod pests and weeds, but diseases are also covered where significant. In 24 chapters, case studies and promising research results are presented that cover biocontrol by naturally occurring agents, by exotic agents or by seasonal manipulation. This book provides a valuable resource for scientists worldwide. It is particularly useful for pest control professionals working in Africa.

Successful agroforestry requires an understanding of the complex relationship between trees, crops and soils. This book provides a review of both economic and biophysical aspects of soil use and research in agroforestry, with an emphasis on nutrient-poor forest and savanna soils. Key topics covered include the economics of soil fertility management, cycling of water, nutrients and organic matter, soil structure, and soil biological processes. The book combines synthetic overviews of research results and a review of methods used in research.

This essential handbook for advanced student and practising plant pathologists has been thoroughly reorganised and updated since publication of the second edition in 1983. New features include the rearrangement of topics to facilitate use, and 44 short succinct chapters, each providing valuable and practical information. There are several new chapter topics and five overall sections covering disease recognition and evaluation, causation, diagnosis and investigation as well as disease management and general techniques and information.

Nematodes that are parasites of insects are no longer a laboratory curiosity. They have begun to be accepted as environmentally benign alternatives to the use of chemical insecticides, for the control of insect pests. Nematode worms are now applied as biological control agents against insect pests of numerous horticultural and agricultural crops.This book provides a comprehensive review of entomopathogenic nematology. It begins by reviewing fundamental biology and setting a taxonomic foundation for nematodes and their bacterial symbionts. Several chapters are devoted to functional processes involved in parasitism and to nematode ecology. Later chapters describe technological advances and control methodologies.