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.

Population size and the dynamic behaviour of many plant-eating insects is largely determined by the levels of their natural enemies. Any reduction in enemy number can result in an insect outbreak. Applied biological control can therefore be considered as a strategy to restore 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 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 reveals the latest research in this field. Ideal for graduate students, research scientists and professionals in biological pest control, agriculture, entomology and ecology.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203302567

Biotechnological research has provided key developments in pest control agents, focusing on pathogens of insect pests as formulated biological pesticides. Emphasis has been placed on bacteria and viruses as they are well understood and easily manipulated.
This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the advances made in the use of bacteria, fungi and viruses, focusing on behavioural, chemical and molecular aspects. The authors discuss the potential of nematode-based biochemical agents and bioherbicids and explore the role of microbial biopesticides in integrated pest management and their prospects for commercil exploitation.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203303075

This volume presents the advances made on phytochemcial biopesticides, covering behavioural, chemical, biochemical and molecular levels of the field.

Their natural enemies largely determine the population size and behavior of many plant-eating insects. Any reduction in enemy number can result in an insect outbreak. Applied biological control is one way to restore biodiversity in many agroecosystems. Predators and Parasitoids addresses the role of natural enemies in pest control. It examines how Trichogramma, the natural enemy of insect pests, has been used as a pest management tool, and it describes plants' defense mechanisms and the effect of plant diversity on herbivores and natural enemies. This volume is ideal for graduate students, research scientists and professionals in biological pest control, agriculture, entomology and ecology.