Natural Enemies An Introduction to Biological Control

About this book

This second edition of Natural Enemies: An Introduction to Biological Control will give students, professionals, and anyone wishing to learn the basics of biological control a fully updated and thorough introduction. The book discusses the huge diversity of organisms used in the control of pests, weeds and plant pathogens, and compares the many different strategies referred to as 'biological control': the introduction of exotic natural enemies, application of predators, parasitoids, and microorganisms as biopesticides, and manipulation of the environment to enhance natural enemy populations. The authors present the ecological concepts which form the bases of biological control and discuss recent changes to make biological control safe for the environment. Case studies are included throughout, providing in-depth examples of the use of different organisms and strategies in a variety of ecosystems. A new chapter covers the current challenges; the impact of climate change, the problem of invasive species, and how biological control can aid sustainability.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements

Part I. Introduction
1. Why use natural enemies?
2. Introduction to biological control

Part II. Strategies for Using Natural Enemies
3. Classical biological control
4. Augmentation: inundative and inoculative biological control
5. Conservation and enhancement of natural enemies

Part III. Biological Control of Invertebrate and Vertebrate Pests
6. Ecological basis for use of predators, parasitoids, and pathogens to control pests
7. Predators
8. Insect parasitoids: attack by aliens
9. Parasitic nematodes

Part IV. Microbial Pathogens of Invertebrates and Vertebrates
10. Bacterial pathogens of invertebrates
11. Viral pathogens of invertebrates and vertebrates
12. Fungal pathogens of invertebrates

Part V. Biological Control of Weeds
13. Biology and ecology of herbivores used for biological control of weeds
14. Phytophagous invertebrates and vertebrates
15. Plant pathogens for controlling weeds

Part VI. Biological Control of Plant Pathogens and Plant Parasitic Nematodes
16. Biology and ecology of microorganisms for control of plant diseases
17. Microbial antagonists combating plant pathogens and plant parasitic nematodes

Part VII. Biological Control: Concerns, Changes and Challenges
18. Making biological control safe
19. Biological control as
20. Our changing world: moving forward

Glossary
References
Index

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