Modern Coconut Management presents new information on the coconut palm and its adaptation to the environment; surveys the wide range of different cultural practices and coconut-based farming systems; and describes the industrial use of various products of the tree such as coconut shell meal, activated carbon, coconut oil, coconut sugar etc. Ample attention has been given to new theories and techniques of selection and breeding, new information on diseases and their causal agents and the most important insect pests of the palm.

Insect science is fast changing as insects are evolving to a plethora of newer chemical molecules, climate change, management tactics and transformation of the landscapes. Through the International Conference, the editors have attempted to gather together newer aspects of Insect Sciences like Insect Taxonomy, DNA Barcoding, Physiology, Toxicology, Vectors and their Management, Molecular Biology, RNA interference in Pest Management, Semiochemicals and Pest Management using Host Plant Resistance and Biological Control appropriated especially for the developing world. Both basic and applied aspects of insect science have been included to stimulate comprehensive studies on insect science. The book not only deals with insect science but also environmental and ecological aspects in the hope that the book will be of immense use to students, researchers, extension workers, planners, administrators, farmers and other end users. The Chapters on diversified aspects of Insect Science are contributed by leading scientists for the coming 21st century in which entomology is witnessing a dramatic advancement in management of pests through in-depth investigations. The dimensions of Insect Science covered in the book are pest management approaches that can be adopted worldwide with ascent on sustainability.

Since the publication of "The coconut palm - A monograph" in 1960, considerable information has been accrued on the crop through work at research institutes, international organisations and development agencies. Although coconut cultivation is spread over 93 countries, providing employment and creating livelihood opportunities to 64 million families around the globe, smallholder coconut farmers are now facing numerous challenges. The wide gap between the potential and actual yield is a major concern, and as such it is necessary to disseminate knowledge in order to implement research findings. Coconut research in India, one of the leading coconut producing countries, is celebrating its centenary, making this an opportune time to review the research and development advances and the relevant technologies. This detailed, comprehensive book covers all aspects of coconut, from the origins to cultivation, breeding, physiology and value addition, as well as subjects of topical interest like nutrition and health, biotechnology, and climate change and carbon sequestration. Written by leading experts in the fields it emphasises that the livelihood of the small coconut landholders is the ultimate aim of scientists and developmental agencies, and outlines various important strategies to make coconut farming more remunerative globally. It discusses work in all the major coconut growing countries and outlines suggestions for international cooperation. Research work on the crop is comparatively difficult because of its perennial nature, longevity, height, long juvenile phase, large sized nuts, cross pollination and seed propagation. As these special features necessitate greater investment of resources, time and land, it is all the more imperative that research is not duplicated and the information and experience becoming available around the world is shared so that it can be fully utilised. In this context periodic publications, compiling all the available information on coconut assume greater significance. This book is therefore of great value to researchers, students, extension workers, developmental agencies and progressive farmers.

Plant based biotechnology has come to represent a means of mitigating the problems of global food security in the twenty-first century. Products and processes in agriculture are increasingly becoming linked to science and cutting edge technology, to enable the engineering of what are in effect, designer plants. One of the most successful , non-chemical approaches to pest management and disease control is biological control, which seeks a solution in terms of using living organisms to regulate the incidence of pests and pathogens, providing a natural control' while still maintaining the biological balance with the ecosystem. This volume, (the first of two), addresses the different types of biocontrol for different pests, namely, crop diseases, weeds and nematodes, and details the biology of both the pest and its enemies, which is vital for efficient use of biological control. The book has numerous contributors who are authorities in their fields, and would be an asset to those who have interest in sustainable agriculture and crop productivity.

The implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has been a great success in temperate areas, but its role in tropical regions is less known. The tropics face specific challenges, namely weather that impacts insect life cycles and pesticide application. Beginning by reviewing the current state of pests, biological and chemical control and emerging technologies, this book then addresses specific crops, providing an up-to-date, research-oriented overview of IPM in tropical regions. This book will be a useful resource to entomologists, agronomists, horticulturists, and environmental scientists, nature conservation in tropics. The book is aimed to serve as reference book for students, teachers, researchers, extension functionaries and policy planners associated with insect pest management in tropics. This book can also be used as supplementary reading material in graduate and post graduate courses.

Handbook of Major Palm Pests: Biology and Management contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on the red palm weevil and the palm borer moth, two newly emergent invasive palm pests which are adversely affecting palm trees around the world. It provides state-of-the-art scientific information on the ecology, biology, and management of palm pests from a global group of experts in the field. An essential compendium for anyone working with or studying palms, it is dedicated to the detection, eradication, and containment of these invasive species, which threaten the health and very existence of global palm crops.