E-raamat: Entomopathogenic Nematology [CABI e-raamatud]

Seventeen contributions, presented by Gaugler (entomology, Rutgers U.) provide a review of the basic and applied biology of the kind of worms that are lethal parasites of insects and hence are viewed as a useful tool as a biological control agent of agricultural insect pests. New achievements in genetic engineering, biodiversity, fermentation, toxins, soil ecology, host-parasite interactions, symbiosis, safety considerations, and management are explained. After summarizing the distribution of the nematodes, functional process involved in parasitism and ecology are covered. Control methodologies in nematode commercial evolution are stressed with analysis of critical issues that impact nematodes application, production, quality, and commercialization strategies. Research gaps are discussed and promising approaches are suggested. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Nematodes that are parasites of insects are no longer a laboratory curiosity. They have begun to be accepted as environmentally benign alternatives to the use of chemical insecticides, for the control of insect pests. Nematode worms are now applied as biological control agents against insect pests of numerous horticultural and agricultural crops. This book provides a comprehensive review of entomopathogenic nematology. It begins by reviewing fundamental biology and setting a taxonomic foundation for nematodes and their bacterial symbionts. Several chapters are devoted to functional processes involved in parasitism and to nematode ecology. Later chapters describe technological advances and control methodologies.