Bemisia tabaci (Gennedius) has distinguished itself from the more than 1,000 whitefly species in the world by its adaptability, persistence and potential to damage a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops in all six of the world’s inhabited continents. B. tabaci inflicts plant damage through direct feeding, inducement of plant disorders, vectoring of plant viruses and excretion of honeydew. This book collates multiple aspects of the pest ranging from basic to applied science and molecular to landscape levels of investigation. Experts in multiple disciplines provide broad, but detailed summaries and discussion of taxonomy, genetics, anatomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, ecology, symbiotic relationships, virus vector associations and various tactics for integrated management of this pest insect. The book is focused primarily on progress during the last 10-15 years and is directed at workers in the field as well as the informed professional who may not necessarily specialize in whitefly research. The book is unique in providing broad coverage in relatively few chapters by recognized experts that highlight the state-of-the-art in our understanding of this fascinating but troublesome cosmopolitan pest.

Geminivirus: Detection, Diagnosis and Management focuses on the latest techniques for managing diseases caused by these circular, single-stranded (ss) DNA genomes. The most significant impact of plant diseases in host populations is often caused by emerging diseases, whose incidence in a plant host is increasing as a result of long-term changes in their underlying epidemiology. Genetic changes in pathogen and host populations, as well as changes in host ecology and environment, are major factors contributing to disease emergence. Understanding plant virus evolution is crucial for modeling the within-host and between-host dynamics and genetics of virus populations. The book presents a comprehensive review of how these viruses develop, including contributing factors such as population bottlenecks during cell-to-cell movement, systemic colonization, or between-host transmission by different procedures. Presented in five sections—Detection and Diagnosis, Emergence and Diversity, Vector and Transmission, Virus–Host Interaction, and Disease Management, the book includes host range determinant and virulence factors involved in pathogenesis, virus–vector interactions during acquisition, retention, and transmission and evaluating management strategies to control Geminivirus. The book is an essential reference for students and researchers interested in plant virology, particularly begomoviruses, geminiviruses, and vector transmission biology. - Introduces identification and characterization of geminiviruses that infect agricultural crops, their wild relatives, and weed hosts - Discusses recombination and reassortment mechanisms influencing viral genetic diversity, virulence, and vector transmission - Explores the origin, evolution, and bottlenecks of Geminiviruses - Introduces identification and characterization of geminiviruses that infect agricultural crops, their wild relatives, and weed hosts - Discusses recombination and reassortment mechanisms influencing viral genetic diversity, virulence, and vector transmission - Explores the origin, evolution, and bottlenecks of Geminiviruses

This book reviews interagency research and development of classical (importation) biological control of Bemisia tabaci (biotype B) conducted in the USA from 1992- 2002. The successful discovery, evaluation, release, and establishment of at least five exotic B. tabaci natural enemies in rapid response to the devastating infestations in the USA represents a landmark in interagency cooperation and coordination of multiple disciplines. The review covers all key aspects of the classical biocontrol program, beginning with foreign exploration and quarantine culture, through dev- opment of mass rearing methodology, laboratory and field evaluation for efficacy, to field releases, integration with other management approaches, and monitoring for establishment and potential non-target impacts. The importance of morphological and molecular taxonomy to the success of the program is also emphasized. The book’s contributors include 28 USDA, state department of agriculture, and univ- sity scientists who participated in various aspects of the project. Bemisia tabaci continues to be a pest of major concern in many parts of the world, especially since the recent spread of the Q biotype, so the publication of a review of the biological control program for the B biotype is especially timely. We anticipate that our review of the natural enemies that were evaluated and which have established in the USA will benefit researchers and IPM practitioners in other nations affected by B. tabaci.

The automated identification of biological objects or groups has been a dream among taxonomists and systematists for centuries. However, progress in designing and implementing practical systems for fully automated taxon identification has been frustratingly slow. Regardless, the dream has never died. Recent developments in computer architectures an

Ideally suited to horticulturalists and plant virologists, this highly useful text offers a multidisciplinary view on one of the major diseases of tomato crops, the tomato yellow leaf curl disease. It deals with epidemiological aspects of the disease as well as integrated pest management in the field. Coverage discusses the efforts aimed at breeding tomato plants resistant to the virus by classical breeding, by marker-assisted breeding and by genetic engineering.

An essential reference for anyone searching for ways to avoid or mitigate the problem of cotton stickiness.