Pest Management: Principles And Practices

Description

Pest control refers to the regulation, management and control of any species of insects, mites or pests that can be detrimental to the health or ecology of a place where human beings reside.
Field monitoring is the key to an integrated pest management programme. When performed systematically on a quantitative basis, it provides the information needed to detect important changes in pest activity and disease incidence, evaluate pesticide performance and establish seasonal records for evaluating and upgrading managerial decisions. When weather data and cultural practices that influence pest behaviour are considered, pest behaviour and populations can better be anticipated.
Biological control of pests in agriculture is a method of controlling pests that rely on predation, parasitism, herbivory or other natural mechanisms. Natural enemies of insect pests are known as biological log control agents and include predators, parasiticides and pathogens. Biological control agents of plant diseases are most often referred to as antagonists. Managing or preventing pest and disease outbreaks requires an interdisciplinary approach, which will vary according to the problem.
This book is intended to provide a clear overview of the principles and practices of pest management and should serve as a useful source of information to the scientists as well as to orchardists and farmers alike.