In the developing world, day to day crop management is often women's work. Yet women's interest and knowledge are often ignored. In addition to empowerment, involving women can provide significant support to crop protection programmes. This book addresses many aspects of plant protection. Most chapters, however, relate to integrated pest management (IPM). Practical lessons on women's roles in crop protection and ways to increase access to information and training are evident. Contributions come from Bhutan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Russia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Tanzania, and Ghana.

This book presents the current approaches for insect pest control as a "green" alternative to classical and more toxaic agrochemicals. An overview of the recent advances in insecticide chemistry is also included, which will be of interest to a vast group of researchers - agrochemists, biochemists, chemists and toxicologists. The combination of both chemical and toxicological aspects of insecticides is unique and the book includes contributions from synthetic chemists, entomologists, environmentalists and toxicologists giving it wide appeal. Throughout the book, the different approaches that involve "greener chemicals" are emphasized. The book is divided into 9 chapters, each considering the state of art of each family of insecticides, together with future expectations. Each chapter gives a description of useful biorational insecticides, highlighting environmentally-friendly processes and then the mode of action is fully-described, emphasizing selectivity towards targeted species. Finally, for every family of compounds, their environmental effects (toxicity, bioaccumulation and metabolism) is considered, comparing them to classical insecticides, including human and environmental risk assessments. In addition the formulation, dispersal and persistence in the environment are covered as key aspects in developing greener agrochemicals. The book also includes a general introduction to entomology, with special emphasis on those insects that act as vectors in the spread of diseases. Insects that may be potential pests against humans and livestock are included, focusing on their life cycles, and physiology, as a logical comprehension of mode of action of insecticides. In addition there is a chapter on classical insecticides (covering both, approaches prior to the chemical era, and classical chemical insecticides, organochlorinated, organophosphorus, and carbamates) for comparison with current trends in pest control. The negative environmental effects that such insecticides have caused in nature, such as poisonings, bioaccumulation or toxic effects are highlighted. It is hoped that the use of more specific agrochemicals and approaches may avoid, or at least considerably reduce such severe and irreversible effects in nature. The insecticides covered are considered from numerous points of views: chemistry, toxicological profile, risk assessment, legal status, environmental behaviour and selectivity. The most important families of currently used insecticides are covered and critical discussions about future perspectives are included with frequent comparisons to classical insecticides. The following topics are covered in the book, as greener alternatives to classical insecticides: " Pyrethrins and pyrethroids " Neonicotinoids " Spynosins " Insect growth regulators " Botanical insecticides " Microbial insecticides " Integrated Pest Management Programs (IPM)

While many "alien" plant and animal species are purposefully introduced into new areas as ornamentals, livestock, crops, and even pets, these species can escape into other areas and threaten agricultural and native ecosystems causing economic and environmental harm, or harm to human health. Increasingly, scientists are using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to track and manage the invaders, mitigate the potential rate of spread and level of impact, and protect the native economy and ecosystem. Beginning with an introduction to the use of GIS technology to capture, store, analyze, manage, and present data, GIS Applications in Agriculture, Volume Three: Invasive Species examines five relevant categories of geographic information including dispersal and transport, prediction and forecasting, mapping of current infestations, maps for management and control tactics, and impact assessment and method of control. It address GIS for studying the population ecology of a new species, niche requirements for species success, and the monitoring and control of several different species including Australian examples of intentionally introduced invasive species, insects and other animals that may also vector a disease, and invasive weed management from prediction to management. Chapters cover maps and imageries available on various Web sites and provide step-by-step tutorials or case studies that allow manipulation of datasets featured on the accompanyingdownloadable resources to make maps, perform statistical analyses, and predict future problems. It offers hands-on experience with a variety of software programs that create interactive queries (user-created searches), analyze spatial information, edit data and maps, and present the results of these operations in several different formats. Some of the programs are freeware, others are not, but each can be used to integrate, edit, share, and display geographic information. Color figures are

This book discusses the role of ground beetles as biocontrol agents of different crop pests around the world. The photographs and illustrations of 70 different species of ground beetles are included. The rearing technique section in the book is meant to elaborate the predator rearing conditions, preferred food and the effect of different factors in mortality of different stages (egg, larva, pupa and adult) of ground beetle. In the last part, a comprehensive account on the list of 182 ground beetles along with their prey records, and worldwide distribution of around 457 genus are also included. Please note: Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The Global Politics of Pesticides explores the varied, and often conflicting, interests involved in the formulation of international policies on chemical pesticide manufacture and use in each of the main areas of environmental pollution, trade, development, public health, food security, biotechnology and industrial safety and explains why some aspects of pesticide use are subject to strict international guidelines whilst others are not. The book breaks new ground in objectively examining the competing viewpoints of food producers and other pesticide users, the chemical industry, health officials, traders, environmental/consumer pressure groups and the public. It also considers how international regulation can occur in spite of the fundamental differences of opinion and seemingly opposing interests held by the key actors.

This book deals with the most widespread of root symbiosis, arbuscular mycorrhizas, an essential component of soil/plant systems occurring in the majority of plant species in natural agro-ecosystems. It is intended to aid the environmental researcher in finding relevant methods quickly, and as a general reference work it will well serve field ecologists, laboratory biologists and other workers in plant biology and soil microbiology. The volume contains the most recent advances in (I) the field of the development of biomolecular methods adapted to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; (II) the promotion of innovative ecological research which considers biodiversity, in order to better understand the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizas in sustainable agriculture and natural ecosystems; (III) elucidating the role of arbuscular mycorrhizas in plant development and root morphology; and (IV) defining the cellular and molecular basis of plant-fungus exchanges. An article concerning The European Bank of Glomales, an essential tool for efficient international and interdisciplinary collaboration, is also included.

Soilborne microbial plant pathogens including oomycetes, fungi, bacteria and viruses cause several economically important destructive diseases and the symptoms of infection can be recognized only after the pathogen has invaded many tissues primarily vascular tissues of susceptible plants. This condition places formidable challenges in investigating different aspects of host-microbial pathogen interactions. Early detection of infection and precise identification, differentiation, and quantification of the microbial plant pathogens in plants, soil and water sources are essential requirements for development of effective tactics to reduce the incidence and spread of the diseases caused by them. As the microbial plant pathogens differ in their virulence and sensitivity to the environment and chemicals applied, it is imperative to assess the extent of variability in the concerned pathogens. This first volume of a two-volume set introduces disease-causing microorganisms including oomycetes, fungi, bacteria, and viruses found in soils. It focuses on the biology, detection, and identification of soilborne bacterial, fungal, and viral plant pathogens. This volume discusses various techniques based on biological, immunological and genetic properties of the pathogens indicating their advantages and limitations for selecting the appropriate technique to fulfill the requirements. Features: Presents techniques useful for detection, identification, quantification of microbial plant pathogens in plants, soil, and irrigation water from waterbodies. Highlights subversive activities of viruses, resulting in the breakdown of host defense systems. Discusses RNA silencing in infected plants by viruses and posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) functioning as an endogenous mechanism in plants against virus infection. Presents information on methods of assessment of genetic variability and sensitivity of microbial plant pathogens to chemicals and adverse environmental conditions.

Crop disease management strategies revolve around the principles of exclusion, eradication and immunization. Cultural practices are aimed at preventing or reducing the accumulation of pathogen population (inoculum). Development of cultivars with genetic resistance by transgressing resistance gene(s) through traditional breeding procedures or biotechnological techniques is the most effective and acceptable strategy, as it is environment-friendly and does not need any additional cost to the grower. Assessment of different grades of resistance of cultivars or genotypes to soilborne microbial pathogens has been possible by quantifying pathogen populations or their DNA contents in the test plants by applying biological and molecular methods. This second volume of a two-volume set focuses on the soilborne microbial plant pathogens and the diseases caused by them. The book provides information on ecology and epidemiology of soilborne microbial plant pathogens and various strategies applicable for effective management of diseases. Chapters cover exclusion and prevention strategies; improvement of host plant resistance; biological management; application of chemicals; and integration of these disease management strategies. Features Discusses various aspects of soilborne microbial plant pathogens to develop effective methods of managing diseases. Presents information on epidemiology and ecology of soilborne microbial plant pathogens. Facilitates the application of management strategies alone or in combination with others for effective suppression of disease development. Features information on application of biotic and abiotic biological control agents (BCAs) to suppress pathogen development either by directly acting on the pathogen(s) or indirectly by enhancing host resistance to the pathogens. Employs biotic and abiotic biocontrol agents either to replace or reduce the use of chemicals is an achievable approach for managing the soilborne microbial pathogens.

Due to increasing problems occurring from massive applications of pesticides, such as insect resistance to pesticides, the use of biotechnological tools to minimize losses from insect pests has become inevitable. Presenting alternative strategies for alleviating biotic stresses, Biotechnological Approaches for Pest Management and Ecological Sustainability explores how the modern tools of biotechnology can be used in pest management for sustainable crop production, the biosafety of transgenic crops, and environmental conservation.

This comprehensive work covers a gamut of issues ranging from host plant resistance to insect pests to the application of molecular approaches for pest management. It discusses phenotyping transgenic plants, mapping populations for insect resistance, physico-chemical and molecular markers associated with insect resistance, the potential of insect-resistant transgenic crops for pest management, and the use of biotechnological tools for diagnosing insects and monitoring insect resistance to insecticides. The author examines how genetic engineering can be used to produce robust natural enemies and more virulent strains of entomopathogenic microbes. He also studies issues related to gene flow, resistance to transgenes and selection markers, the biosafety of food derived from genetically engineered plants, and the potential application of molecular tools for solving some of the intricate pest problems in the future.

Focusing on how to make the development and deployment of biotechnology-derived products for pest management safe and cost-effective, this book will enable readers to make informed decisions on genetically engineered organisms for pest management and sustainable crop production.

Soil has a versatile role in supporting the development of a wide range of organisms, including plants and microorganisms. Soilborne pathogens and root diseases are the primary limiting factor in many crops and tend to be very difficult to control. This first volume of a two-volume set introduces disease-causing microorganisms including oomycetes, fungi, bacteria, and viruses found in soils. It focuses on the biology, detection, and identification of soilborne bacterial, fungal, and viral plant pathogens. Volume two provides information on ecology and epidemiology of soilborne microbial plant pathogens and strategies applicable to manage diseases. Chapters cover exclusion and prevention strategies; improvement of host plant resistance; biological management; application of chemicals; and integration of disease management strategies.

This book focuses on an array of integrated pest management tools (IPM) that exploit extreme temperatures, examining the biological basis for using temperature extremes in controlling insects and presenting practical IPM techniques that rely on temperature.

Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination other than their target species, including non-target species, air, water and soil. The extensive reliance on insecticide use reduces biodiversity, contributes to pollinator decline, destroys habitat, and threatens endangered species. This book offers a more effective application of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, on an area-wide (AW) or population-wide (AW-IPM) basis, which aims at the management of the total population of a pest, involving a coordinated effort over often larger areas. For major livestock pests, vectors of human diseases and pests of high-value crops with low pest tolerance, there are compelling economic reasons for participating in AW-IPM. This new textbook attempts to address various fundamental components of AW-IPM, e.g. the importance of relevant problem-solving research, the need for planning and essential baseline data collection, the significance of integrating adequate tools for appropriate control strategies, and the value of pilot trials, etc. With chapters authored by 184 experts from more than 31 countries, the book includes many technical advances in the areas of genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, resistance management, and social sciences that facilitate the planning and implementing of area-wide strategies. The book is essential reading for the academic and applied research community as well as national and regional government plant and human/animal health authorities with responsibility for protecting plant and human/animal health.

Dramatic progress in molecular biology and genetic engineering has recently produced an unparalleled wealth of information on the mechanisms of plant and pathogen interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. Completely revised and expanded, Fungal Pathogenesis in Plants and Crops: Molecular Biology and Host Defense Mechanisms, Second Edition offers fresh insight into the interplay of signaling systems in plant and pathogen interactions. The book delineates the battle between plant and fungal pathogen and the complex signaling systems involved. See what's new in the Second Edition: -Chapter on the role of disease resistance genes in signal perception and emission -Chapter on cell death signaling in disease susceptibility and resistance -Revised material on phytoalexins, toxins, and signal perception and transduction in fungal pathogenesis -17 additional families of pathogenesis-related proteins and antifungal proteins The book describes the weapons used by fungal pathogens to evade or suppress the host defense mechanisms. It covers each fungal infection process from initial contact and penetration to the subsequent invasion and symptom development. The author explains complex signaling systems in the plant-pathogen interface with flow charts and provides drawings elucidating the biosynthetic pathway of secondary metabolites. He includes figures that highlight cutting-edge breakthroughs in molecular science and tables documenting important findings in the field of molecular plant pathology. These features and more make this book not only the most up to date resource in the field, but also the most important.

This is a handbook on the subject of crop pests. Including 288 colour photographs, the book contains information which has been edited and updated from the series of advisory leaflets issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) which have been a widely acknowledged source of valuable information for many years. Much of the information, which has been revised by entomologists of the Agricultural Development Advisory Service (ADAS), should be of interest in other countries of Northern Europe and throughout temperate regions of the world. The book contains descriptions of the pests, their life histories, the damage they cause, their natural enemies and the strategies for control. The demand for the continued availability of the wealth of knowledge and practical experience originally incorporated into the MAFF leaflets has prompted the publication of this book. This publication should be a useful handbook for all those involved with applied entomology and crop protection, particularly agricultural and horticultural students, crop consultants and advisers, those working in the agrochemical industry and proficient farmers, growers and entomologists.

Anthony Biddle is among the most respected scientists in the pea and bean industry worldwide. Nigel Cattlin has an international reputation for agricultural and horticultural photography of the highest order. They have created between them a concise and practical guide to the protection of pea and bean crops, with descriptions of symptoms linked throughout to photographs and to notes on prevention and control. Intensive production of peas and beans can often result in the increased incidence of pests and diseases, putting crops at risk from yield loss or reduction in quality. The book deals systematically with pests, and with the fungal, bacterial and viral diseases affecting peas and beans from seedling to produce. It assists the reader in the early and rapid recognition of problems and provides guidance in dealing with them. Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Peas and Beans is of value as a field guide for growers, advisers, and extension workers, and as a lasting reference for researchers.

The microscopic soil and plant nematodes that are parasitic on crop plants can be very damaging, and are generally not visible to the naked eye. Their microscopic size means that associating them with crop damage is mainly dependent on determining the symptoms of their effects on plants or plant growth. The damage and symptoms caused can be visible above ground but, apart from poor growth and yield of the plants, the specific nematode can only be seen below the ground in the plant organs; mainly the roots, rhizomes, bulbs, corms and tubers. This book aims to help people working commercially with crop plants to identify and improve their diagnosis of nematodes of agricultural importance. There is an introductory chapter on nematode biology and parasitism, and the crops they are likely to attack. Crop chapters are divided into grain legumes, vegetables, flower crops, cereals, root and tuber crops, and tree and plantation crops. Coverage includes distribution, identification, symptoms and diagnosis, with management suggestions also presented. A final chapter outlines common methods used in nematology. This book is invaluable to a range of professionals including growers, farmers and students working in crop protection, plant pathology, and agriculture.

Experts in herbicide research and development - chemists and plant physiologists -, have written 15 chapters that review all aspects pertinent to peroxidizing herbicides, compounds of topical interest since extremely low use rates ensure high environmental safety. Topics covered include structure-activity relationships, relevant patent literature, preparative methods, modes of action, greenhouse screening, laboratory assays, plant pigment biochemistry, and enzymology of the decisive target enzyme of this class of herbicides. This comprehensive review will be welcomed as a unique and timely compilation of the current status of peroxidizing herbicide research and development. It will be of interest to professional chemists and biologists in agrochemical companies, universities and agricultural colleges.

Written by leading experts from industry and academia, this is the first book devoted to the topic of chirality in agrochemicals, discussing the synthesis, activity and toxicology of chiral agrochemicals.
The importance of using optically pure compounds has long been recognized by the pharmaceutical industry. The discovery that opposite enantiomers can have similarly diverse effects on plants and insects has had no less a revolutionary impact on the agrochemical industry. In this review volume, interesting and topical examples of chiral agrochemicals are brought together.
It covers:
* Pyrethroid Insecticides
* Organophosphorus Insecticides and Fungicides
* Aryloxyophenoxypropanoate Herbicides
* Acylanilides
* Triazoles
* Insect Hormones and Pheromones
The book will provide invaluable information for all those in the field.

Their natural enemies largely determine the population size and dynamic behavior of many plant-eating insects. Any reduction in enemy number can result in an insect outbreak. Applied biological control is thus one strategy for restoring functional biodiversity in many agroecosystems. Predators and Parasitoids addresses the role of natural enemies in pest control as an integrated pest management concept. It examines how Trichogramma, the extensively studied natural enemy of insect pests, has been used as a pest management tool, and it describes important aspects such as the inducible defense mechanisms of plants and the effects that plant diversity can have on herbivores and natural enemies. Specific chapters address recent advances in biological control: the effects of multiparasitism on parasitization; synergism between insect pathogens and entomophagous insects; and the use of exotic insects for weed control. With contributions from leading worldwide experts, Predators and Parasitoids is ideal for graduate students, research scientists and professionals in biological pest control, agriculture, entomology and ecology.

In recent years, the development of biological pest control strategies has focused on the chemical profiles of insect-plant interactions. Plants exhibit an extensive range of defensive strategies, which include insect avoidance, deterrence and antibiosis. The need to overcome these vegetative defence responses has driven the evolution of an array of detoxifying mechanisms, which have become the hallmark of the phytophagous insects' chemical ecology.
This volume presents the advances made on phytochemcial biopesticides, covering behavioural, chemical, biochemical and molecular levels of the field. The role of Phytochemicals in integrated pest management is also addressed, whilst discussing the problems and prospects of biopesticides for commercial exploitation. The volume provides a comprehensive overview for graduate students, research scientists and professionals in chemical ecology, insect-plant interactions, phytochemistry, chemistry and biochemistry of insects, and insect toxicology.

A complete overview of the technologies and products for microbial-based pest control. It documents the use of genetically altered Bt and transgenic crops, microbial formulations, and synergistic interactions of microbials with synthetic chemicals, as well as the management of Bt foliar applications and Bt genes in transgenic crops. The book includes case studies and pathogen, products and manufacturers indices.

Many scientists have reported an extensive amount of information on the biology, life history, and damage potential of stink bugs. However, this information is scattered among numerous journals, periodicals, and other publications. Stink Bugs of Economic Importance in America North of Mexico brings together the applied and nonapplied literature in one complete and concise format.
The book gives you:
o Section by section discussions of various economic stink bug species and damage to individual crops
o Separate tables of host plants organized by common name, scientific name, and family name
o General biology for each economic stink bug species
o Strategies for the control of destructive species
o Keys for identification of stink bug species
o Numerous unique line drawings
o Over 700 references on stink bug publications
Written by two top-notch researchers whose experience is complementary, the book examines these constant pests. The first comprehensive resource on this fascinating and destructive group of insects, Stink Bugs of Economic Importance in America North of Mexico provides you with a reference that you can use in the laboratory or in the field for easy identification of pentatomids.

This book focuses on an array of integrated pest management tools (IPM) that exploit extreme temperatures, examining the biological basis for using temperature extremes in controlling insects and presenting practical IPM techniques that rely on temperature.

Nontarget Effects of Biological Control is the first book of its kind. The environmental safety of biological control has come under scrutiny due to several areas of concerns: the irreversibility of alien introductions, the prevalence of host switching to innocuous native or beneficial species, dispersal of the biocontrol agent to new habitats away from croplands, and the lack of research on the efficacy and impact of biocontrol attempts. The debate has been strongly polarized between conservationists and biological control practitioners. Nontarget Effects of Biological Control proposes that retrospective analyses of systems in place in which nontarget effects are now documented or suspected provide the necessary information for planning and evaluating future releases to reduce risk. The book presents case histories of past biological control introductions from island and continental ecosystems.

The authors of this book report up-to-date methodologies relating to isolation, identification and use of various enzymes and receptor systems that serve as targets for insecticide action or as sites for resistance development. Thus, this book serves as an indispensable tool for scientists in academia and industry research, investigating or developing new insecticides with selective properties for the benefit of the environment. Possible countermeasures for resistance to novel insecticides are discussed.