Text designed to train students in the principles of biological control. Examples are drawn from the biological control of a wide range of pests including invertebrates, weeds, vertebrates and plant diseases.
Introduction to the concept of biological control and its principal forms; History of biological control; Types of biological control agents; Methods for the evaluation of biological control programs; Mode #1 of applied biological control: conservation; Mode #2 of applied biological control: augmentation; Mode #3 of applied biological control: importation of natural enemies; Mode #4 of applied biological control: use of formulated preparations of pathogenic or antogonistic organisms as pesticides; Pesticide interactions with natural enemies; Safety of applied biological control programs; Biological control of weeds; Biological control of plant pathogens; Use of insights from population regulation theory in biological control programs; Use of insights from insect foraging theory in biological control programs; The role of research in applied biological control; The role of extension is applied biological control; Applied biological control and integrated pest management; Government's role in promoting applied biological control; Resources for implementation of programs of applied biological control; Steps in planning of applied biological control programs; Obstacles to development of programs of applied biological control; Applied biological control and international agricultural development; Applied biological control crop by crop; Future prospects and challenges.
'...this two authored book attempts to cover the full range of biological control topics for beginners and does so in a unified manner... useful tables and graphs throughout.' Florida Entomologist