Insect Natural Enemies: Practical Approaches to Their Study and Evaluation

Over the past two decades there has been a dramatic increase in theoretical and practical studies on insect natural enemies, particularly on parasitoids. The appeal of insect predators - and parasitoids in particular - as research animals derives from the relative ease with which some species may be cultured and experimented with in the laboratory, the simple life cycles of most parasitoids, and the increasing demand for biological control. This text is designed for enquiring students or research workers on appropriate approaches and techniques for the study and evaluation of such insects. This book is an account of major aspects of the biology of natural enemies, punctuated with information and advice on which experiments or observations to conduct and how to carry them out. Guidance is provided where necessary on the literature that may need to be consulted on particular topics. This book on predators and parsitoids emphasizes practicalities and is aimed at students and professionals working in universities and both government and commercial institutes in the fields of pest management, agriculture, horticulture and forestry. This book should be of interest to senior undergraduates, postgraduates and research workers in applied entomology, pest management and crop protection.