Pollinators-insects, birds, bats, and other animals that carry pollen from the male to the female parts of flowers for plant reproduction-are an essential part of natural and agricultural ecosystems throughout North America. For example, most fruit, vegetable, and seed crops and some crops that provide fiber, drugs, and fuel depend on animals for pollination. This report provides evidence for the decline of some pollinator species in North America, including America's most important managed pollinator, the honey bee, as well as some butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds. For most managed and wild pollinator species, however, population trends have not been assessed because populations have not been monitored over time. In addition, for wild species with demonstrated declines, it is often difficult to determine the causes or consequences of their decline. This report outlines priorities for research and monitoring that are needed to improve information on the status of pollinators and establishes a framework for conservation and restoration of pollinator species and communities.

Control of diseases and pests of honey bees is one of most challenging tasks in improving quality of honey and honey bee by-products, especially for the beekeepers in developing countries. This publication describes common diseases and pests of honey bees and their importance and provides a practical guide to the basic technology available to beekeepers for their control and prevention.

Insect Pathology is designed for a broad spectrum of readers. Is should be useful to students, lecturers, and researchers requiring information about the principles in insect pathology and the biology of pathogens. It should serve as a resource for specialists to learn about other insect pathogen systems, for generalists to become aware of advances in insect pathology, and for scientists and students, beginning or otherwise, interested in learning about insect pathology. This book was originally intended to update the 1949 test by E. A. Steinhaus entitled Principles of Insect Pathology. The purpose for this book was twofold: To serve (1) as a text for an insect pathology and/or biological control class and (2) as a comprehensive reference source. Because this book summarizes much of the available information, its usefulness as a textbook for an insect pathology class is apparent. Although the literature citations are extensive, they are far from complete. The literature in insect pathology is voluminous and for the past decade has been expanding at an almost exponential rate. A complete review of the literature is beyond the scope of the book, and an omission of a reference does not preclude its importance. Our citations, however, should serve as a good starting point for those who wish to obtain further information. We have attempted to cover equally all subdisciplines, but shortcomings are unavoidable. For these, we take full responsibility.

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

This book was written by undergraduate students at The Ohio State University (OSU) who were enrolled in the class Introduction to Environmental Science. The chapters describe some of Earth's major environmental challenges and discuss ways that humans are using cutting-edge science and engineering to provide sustainable solutions to these problems. Topics are as diverse as the students, who represent virtually every department, school and college at OSU. The environmental issue that is described in each chapter is particularly important to the author, who hopes that their story will serve as inspiration to protect Earth for all life.

The AFB elimination manual is a practical guide to eliminating American Foulbrood from your hives without the use of drugs.