Biological insecticides are competing more and more with traditional chemical pesticides. A successful application of natural pathogens requires a better understanding of both fungal and insect ecology and physiology. This Atlas provides a comprehensive overview of these fields and includes the taxonomy of those species of fungi which are proven pathogens. Biotechnological methods for the genetic modification of these natural pathogens resulting in further optimization and the advantages of biological control are discussed.

The basic tools include chapters on the theory and practice of application of microbial control agents (MCAs) (Section I), statistical considerations in the design of experiments (Section II), and three chapters on application equipment and strategies (Section III). Section IV includes individual chapters on the major pathogen groups (virus, bacteria, microsporidia, fungi, and nematodes) and special considerations for their evaluation under field conditions. This section sets the stage for subsequent chapters on the impact of naturally occurring and introduced exotic pathogens and inundative application of MCAs. Twenty-three chapters on the application and evaluation of MCAs in a wide variety of agricultural, forest, domestic and aquatic habitats comprise Section VII of the Field Manual. In addition to insect pests, the inclusion of mites and slugs broadens the scope of the book.

This reference analyzes the ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, and taxonomy of this diverse group of fungi for identification of common biological, biochemical, and genetic features and discovery of potential medical and agricultural applications. It traces and reconstruct the evolution of various host-endoparasite systems and studies recent

Zeitschrift für Krypotgamenkunde.