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In this time of edited volumes when the list of individual
contributors may reach double figures, it is appropriate to
question the usefulness of a volume, with such a broad scope, by a
single author. The answer is simple. For years he has believed that
the rather sharp distinction between fundamental and applied
aspects of this discipline, has ill-served the significance of
each; and has diminished the incidence of fruitful synergies. Yet
the need for these was never greater, and this case may be
developed by a single author with experience of each aspect. The
inclusion of a Chapter on Genetic Engineering may raise some
doubts, but it is enabled by the chosen title "Chemoreception," as
distinct from Chemoperception: the latter implies detection of a
chemical, followed by a behavioural response. But the former
broader category subsumes Chemoperception and allows for the
reception of a chemical toxin so potent as to prelude a behavioural
or physiological response, other than death. Accordingly, chemical
toxins are a legitimate inclusion. In which event, their delivery
through a GM plant is as appropriate for study as their application
in a spray.
In this time of edited volumes when the list of individual
contributors may reach double figures, it is appropriate to
question the usefulness of a volume, with such a broad scope, by a
single author. The answer is simple. For years he has believed that
the rather sharp distinction between fundamental and applied
aspects of this discipline, has ill-served the significance of
each; and has diminished the incidence of fruitful synergies. Yet
the need for these was never greater, and this case may be
developed by a single author with experience of each aspect. The
inclusion of a Chapter on Genetic Engineering may raise some
doubts, but it is enabled by the chosen title "Chemoreception," as
distinct from Chemoperception: the latter implies detection of a
chemical, followed by a behavioural response. But the former
broader category subsumes Chemoperception and allows for the
reception of a chemical toxin so potent as to prelude a behavioural
or physiological response, other than death. Accordingly, chemical
toxins are a legitimate inclusion. In which event, their delivery
through a GM plant is as appropriate for study as their application
in a spray.
Recent research has added much to our knowledge of the nature and
significance of chemoreception in insects. This text deals with
both pure and applied aspects at the ecological level, and goes on
to discuss the mechanisms by which insects detect and respond to
chemicals at the molecular level. Throughout the text reference is
made to appropriate techniques in both field and laboratory
situations in order to provide an insight into the means of
investigating the subject and to indicate the areas of likely
future advances. Plant-insect interactions are considered in terms
of plant chemical defences and of the co-evolved insect response to
these. The role of pheromones is described with an account of the
factors governing their synthesis and secretion. A chapter on
pheromone gland morphology is also included. The
electrophysiological approach is described and also the novel use
of biochemical techniques to ascertain the mode of action of plant
and insect-produced chemicals. Practical applications reported
include the use of natural toxins in plant protections and the
exploitation of pest-resistant crop varieties. This book should be
of interest to fundamental and applied entomologists, agronomists,
chemists and workers in the fields of chemoreception and chemical
ecology.
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