Abstract

For many years the use of chemical agents such as pesticides and herbicides has been effective in controlling the many varieties of pests that infest both agricultural crops and backyard gardens. However, these pests are gradually becoming resistant to these agents, because the agents themselves are acting as selective factors making the pests better and better able to resist and persist. As a result, the use of biological controlling agents is increasing.
This book is a comprehensive and authoritative handbook of biological control.
Key Features
* Introduction (preface plus 2 chapters)
* Principles and processes (12 chapters)
* Agents, biology, and methods (6 chapters)
* Applications (10 chapters)
* Research (2 chapters)

"...the first comprehensive compendium on biological control in many years. This volume fills a niche vacant for more than two decades and will help attract and educate a new generation of biological control scientists." --The Quarterly Review of Biology, 2001

"This is a truly comprehensive work... For the practitioner of biological control access to this volume is essential, but the general entomologist will find much of interest." --Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, 2000

"...a gem for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of biological control." --Biological Journal of The Linnean Society, 2000

"The book is produced in the first-rate standards of Academic Press publications. It is well edited, and is accompanied with detailed subject and taxonomic indexes. Each chapter is supplemented by extensive bibliography. I am convinced that the book will find numerous readers especially among entomologists, but also among botanists, plant pathologists, soil microbiologists, plant scientists and technicians working in agricultural research, and growers interested in biological control." --Biologia Plantarum, 2000