This Colour Handbook reviews the natural predators, parasites and pathogens used to control pest populations and analyses their characteristics and practical applications. It is designed to enable the reader to anticipate, recognise and resolve specific problems of pest management. Intended as a concise accessible reference to the field, this book will be of interest to a broad spectrum of academic, professional and lay readers; the growers and the consultants advising them, students in horticulture and crop science and scientists in a broad range of related disciplines. ∗ Superb, detailed colour photographs and line drawings of predator, parasite and pest species. ∗ Accessible, practical format. ∗ Covers all the major commercial planting environments; Arable, Orchard, Glasshouse and Ornamental (parks and gardens). ∗ Unique world wide coverage. ∗ Comperhensively corss–referenced by crop, pest, and pest control species (parasites and predators).

The history of biological control of harmful organisms by mites is marked by outstanding achievements with a few premiere natural enemies. Early works concentrated on the use of predatory mites for the control of synanthropic flies, More recently, the focus has been mostly on mites of the family Phytoseiidae for the control of plant feeding mites. This is an important family of acarine predators of plant pest mites, which are effectively used in agriculture worldwide. Besides the vast knowledge in several species in this family, there are as well many opportunities for biological control, represented in an array of organisms and through the improvement of management techniques, which are constantly explored by researchers worldwide. This has resulted in an increasing interest in predatory mite species within the families Stigmaeidae, Ascidae, Laelapidae, Rhodacaroidea, Macrochelidae, Erythraeidae and Cheyletidae, among others. This book will compile important developments with predatory mite species within these families, which are emerging as important tools for integrated pest management. New developments with predatory insects and pathogenic organisms attacking mites will also be a subject of this book. Finally, the potential and gaps in knowledge in biological control of acarine plant pests will be addressed.

Biological Control: Global Impacts, Challenges and Future Directions of Pest Management provides a historical summary of organisms and main strategies used in biological control, as well as the key challenges confronting biological control in the 21st century. Biological control has been implemented for millennia, initially practised by growers moving beneficial species from one local area to another. Today, biological control has evolved into a formal science that provides ecosystem services to protect the environment and the resources used by humanity. With contributions from dedicated scientists and practitioners from around the world, this comprehensive book highlights important successes, failures and challenges in biological control efforts. It advocates that biological control must be viewed as a global endeavour and provides suggestions to move practices forward in a changing world. Biological Control is an invaluable resource for conservation specialists, pest management practitioners and those who research invasive species, as well as students studying pest management science.

The production of mushrooms (Agaricus bisporous) is a major, world-wide, highly mechanized process. Healthy crops are essential if yields, quality and profitability are to be maintained. This book covers the recognition, biology, and control of pests and diseases which are a major cause of crop losses. Up-to-date and intensely illustrated, Mushroom and Disease Control fully explores the important aspects of pest and disease control. From changes in the management of pest and pathogen populations and new methods of crop production to the more effective use of environmental controls and environmental protection, this book provides an essential guide for crop grower and all those closely connected with the culture of the crops. Check lists for pest and disease control and hygiene applications provide practical applications for readers as well. * Over 200 color illustrations * Coverage includes pests, disease, weed molds, and recognition, biology and control of abiotic disorders * Includes practical checklists for pest and disease control and hygiene applications

The Handbook identifies all aspects of Regulatory Plant Biosecurity and discusses them from the standpoint of preventing the international movement of plant pests, diseases and weeds that negatively impact production agriculture, natural plant-resources and agricultural commerce.

Publisher Description

Covering the most important pathogens of potatoes, this handbook provides clear, concise descriptions of the symptoms and cycles of diseases. It also provides detail on the distribution, economic importance, and advice on the control. Illustrated with over 250 color photographs of affected crops, pest profiles and detailed characteristics of common prey to potato crops, this book is the ultimate aid to the rapid identification and control of disease for this important crop. * Coverage includes identifcation, disease cycle, economic importance, and control * Problem-oriented organization * Over 250 color illustrations; full color * Field guide practicality