Field Crop Arthropod Pests of Economic Importance presents detailed descriptions of the biology and ecology of important arthropod pest of selected global field crops. Standard management options for insect pest control on crops include biological, non-chemical, and chemical approaches. However, because agricultural crops face a wide range of insect pests throughout the year, it can prove difficult to find a simple solution to insect pest control in many, if not most, cropping systems. A whole-farm or integrated pest management approach combines cultural, natural, and chemical controls to maintain insect pest populations below levels that cause economic damage to the crop. This practice requires accurate species identification and thorough knowledge of the biology and ecology of the target organism. Integration and effective use of various control components is often enhanced when the target organism is correctly identified, and its biology and ecology are known. This book provides a key resource toward that identification and understanding. Students and professionals in agronomy, insect detection and survey, and economic entomology will find the book a valuable learning aid and resource tool. - Includes insect synonyms, common names, and geographic distribution - Provides information on natural enemies - Is thoroughly referenced for future research

The Integrated Pest Management IPM is an ecosystem approach to managing pests through understanding the crop ecosystem as a basis of good crop management decisions and support the sustainable intensification of crop production and pesticide risk reduction. Often, low levels of populations of some pests are needed to keep natural enemies in the field and the aim of IPM is to reduce pest populations to avoid damage levels that cause yield loss. The IPM is still directly associated with pests and defined as a knowledge-intensive process of decision making that combines various strategies (biological, cultural, physical and chemical, regular field monitoring of the crops etc.) that focuses on reduction of pesticide use to sustainably manage dangerous pests. This book is intended to guide farmers in the integrated management of pest and diseases, helping them with decision making. It provides a description of the most dangerous pests and diseases, including symptoms, possible location, types of plants, biology as well as ways of monitoring. It also describes the main components of specific Integrated Pest Management.

Although chemical pesticides safeguard crops and improve farm productivity, they are increasingly feared for their potentially dangerous residues and their effects on ecosystems. The Future Role of Pesticides explores the role of chemical pesticides in the decade ahead and identifies the most promising opportunities for increasing the benefits and reducing the risks of pesticide use. The committee recommends R&D, program, and policy initiatives for federal agriculture authorities and other stakeholders in the public and private sectors. This book presents clear overviews of key factors in chemical pesticide use, including: Advances in genetic engineering not only of pest-resistant crops but also of pests themselves. Problems in pesticide useâ€"concerns about the health of agricultural workers, the ability of pests to develop resistance, issues of public perception, and more. Impending shifts in agricultureâ€"globalization of the economy, biological "invasions" of organisms, rising sensitivity toward cross-border environmental issues, and other trends. With a model and working examples, this book offers guidance on how to assess various pest control strategies available to today's agriculturist.