Pest Management: Principles and Practices

The book comprises of several chapters which deals intensively and extensively with pests and diseases caused by insects, nematodes, fungi, viruses, bacteria, mollicutes and viroids. These chapters present a comprehensive picture of diseases and pests with particular focus on symptoms, transmission, host range, production of diagnostic reagents, detection technology, taxonomy, ecology, epidemiology and effective management practices of the concerned pests or diseases. This book provides detailed information on the management of pests of almost all the tropical, sub-tropical and temperate horticulture crops. Ecological approaches and strategies of pest management which help in developing efficient and reliable techniques and tools required for pest management are discussed in detail. Different aspect of biological, cultural, mechanical and regulatory controls are also appropriately highlighted. Use of insecticides, status and scope of insect growth regulators and the role of semiochemicals for pest control are also dealt with. Keeping in view the recent scientific developments, indigenous technology knowledge and the genetic engineering techniques used for pest management have also been discussed. 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.