Control of Pests and Weeds by Natural Enemies
| Series: | Industrial biotechnology |
| Publisher: | Wiley |
| Subject: | Pests--Biological control, Weeds--Biological control |
| Authors: | Roy van Driesche , Mark Hoddle , Ted Center |
| Pages: | 484 pages |
| Binding: | Hardcover |
| ISBN: | 9781405145718 |
| Call No: | SB 975. V38 2008 |
Biological control – utilizing a population of natural enemies to seasonally or permanently suppress pests – is not a new concept. The cottony cushion scale, which nearly destroyed the citrus industry of California, was controlled by an introduced predatory insect in the 1880s. Accelerated invasions by insects and spread of weedy non-native plants in the last century have increased the need for the use of biological control. Use of carefully chosen natural enemies has become a major tool for the protection of natural ecosystems, biodiversity and agricultural and urban environments.
This book offers a multifaceted yet integrated discussion on two major applications of biological control: permanent control of invasive insects and plants at the landscape level and temporary suppression of both native and exotic pests in farms, tree plantations, and greenhouses. Written by leading international experts in the field, the text discusses control of invasive species and the role of natural enemies in pest management.