Applications of molecular genetics in combatting pesticide resistance: an overviview. Molecular genetics of target-site resistance to acetolactate synthase inhibiting herbicides. Molecular genetics of acetylcholinesterase in insecticide resistant Drosophila melanogaster. The molecular basis of plant resistance to photosystem II herbicides. Molecular genetics of resistance in fungi to azole fungicides. Evolution and population genetics. Ecology transgenesis, and regulatory issues.

Few individuals can be unmoved by the impact of molecular biology. Advances in the discipline over four decades have progressed at a rate unrivalled in other scientific areas. In its formative years, molecular biology examined the chemical and physical structures of biological molecules, subsequently elucidated the nature and function of DNA and evolved into molecular genetics. From this exponential growth of scientific knowledge, tremendous opportunities were created for the application of molecular approaches to solve problems in applied biology. This book describes the new productive association between novel state of-the-art molecular biology and crop protection, a discipline with a sound heritage in traditional applied biology and chemistry. Never before has crop protection faced such diverse challenges. It is charged with improving global food supplies and with the pressure of population increases of one billion in the next decade. But to consider protection of crops simply in terms of weed, pest and disease control would be a gross oversimplification of the mission. Rather, crop protectionists must develop measures which will maintain crop yield and quality without harm to the environment. Chemical, cultural and biological approaches to crop protection must also fulfil evolving legislative demands and address the issues which confer public acceptability.

Developed as an introduction to new molecular genetic techniques, Insect Molecular Genetics also provides literature, terminology, and additional sources of information to students, researchers, and professional entomologists. Although most molecular genetics studies have employed Drosophila, this book applies the same techniques to other insects, including pest insects of economic importance. As a text, as a reference, as a primer, and as a review of a vast and growing literature, Insect Molecular Genetics is a valuable addition to the libraries of entomologists, geneticists, and molecular biologists. - Features offered by this unique reference source: Detailed illustrations - Suggested readings at the end of each chapter - Glossary of molecular genetic terms

Insects, mites, and ticks have a long history of evolving resistance to pesticides, host-plant resistance, crop rotation, pathogens, and parasitoids. Insect resistance management (IRM) is the scientific approach to preventing or delaying pest evolution and its negative impacts on agriculture, public health, and veterinary issues. This book provides entomologists, pest management practitioners, developers of new technologies, and regulators with information about the many kinds of pest resistance including behavioral and phenological resistance. Abstract concepts and various case studies provide the reader with the biological and economic knowledge required to manage resistance. No other source has the breadth of coverage of this book: genomics to economics, transgenic insecticidal crops, insecticides, and other pest management tactics such as crop rotation. Dr. David W. Onstad and a team of experts illustrate how IRM becomes efficient, effective and socially acceptable when local, social and economic aspects of the system are considered. Historical lessons are highlighted with new perspectives emphasized, so that future research and management may be informed by past experience, but not constrained by it.* First book in 15 years to provide the history and explore aspects of a variety of stakeholders* Contributors include experts on ecological aspects of IRM, molecular and population genetics, economics, and IRM social issues* Biochemistry and molecular genetics of insecticides presented with an mphasis on past 15 years of research including Cry proteins in transgenic crops* Encourages scientists and stakeholders to implement and coordinate strategies based on local social conditions

This comprehensive book addresses the ecological & evolutionary forces that shape the response of insect populations to attempted control by chemical insecticides. Through broad coverage of the literature, the author investigates phenotypic basis of the change from susceptibility to resistance at genetic, molecular, & biochemical levels, & then relates the results to the most effective strategies for managing resistance. Within this framework, this book critically analyzes areas of current research, & identifies areas of future research. Dr. McKenzie emphasizes the necessity of a pure research approach to understanding the evolution of resistance & he asserts that resistance systems are ideal models for tackling questions of general ecological & evolutionary interest.