An Introduction to Arthropod Pest Control

by J. R. M. Thacker

Overview

Arthropod pests cause huge annual losses in global crop production and transmit a number of infectious diseases. The control of such pests is therefore of the utmost importance. This text provides an up-to-date, detailed overview of current approaches including chemical pest control, the use of biological and biorational control agents, and the latest developments in biotechnology. While an introductory text for students in the fields of pest control, entomology, crop protection, and agricultural and environmental sciences, the volume is also aimed at professional pest control practitioners and government employees in extension services.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521561068
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/17/2002
Pages:	380
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.87(d)

About the Author

J. R. M. Thacker is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Paisley in Scotland.

Table of Contents

Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. A brief history of arthropod pest control; 2. Botanical insecticides; 3. Modern synthetic insecticides; 4. Formulation, application and the direct and indirect side-effects of insecticides; 5. Biological control agents; 6. Microbial pest control; 7. Pheromones and pest control; 8. Insect growth regulators; 9. Genetic manipulation of pest species; 10. Host-plant resistance; 11. Cultural techniques and organic farming; 12. Integrated pest management (IPM); 13. Biotechnology and pest control; Glossary; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"The collective information is a very useful introduction to a complex discipline, and every reader is likely to learn something new from the great variety of information included. Many students are likely to appreciate the author's efforts to encompass such a large array of material within such a concise and affordable book." T.R. New, Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Australia

"The book successfully consolidates information from diverse sources for student use. Recommended." Choice

"Professionals, practitioners and educators interested in pest control applications relative to sustainable and organic agriculture should find this book of great interest." Journal of Sustainable Agriculture

"Author J.R.M. Thacker has successfully melded a wide range of material, often dispersed across numerous sources, into a single, highly readable...text." IPM News

"The book does exactly what it says on the cover, and does it well: it provides a solid introduction to arthropod pest control that will be of great use to those starting out in this field." Journal of Agricultural Science

From the Publisher