Biocontrol of Oilseed Rape Pests

Oilseed rape, a major crop in many parts of the world, is attackedby a wide range of insect pests, many of which are of considerableeconomic importance. With the increasing demand to reduceagrochemical inputs on arable crops, the Commission of the EuropeanCommunities supported a three-year programme in which scientificparticipants reviewed the natural enemies of oilseed rape insectpests. The various outputs from this important work form the basisof this comprehensive new book. Biocontrol of Oilseed Rape Pests commences with a reviewof the oilseed rape crop, followed by chapters on pests, pestmanagement strategies and parasitoids of specific pests or groupsof pests. Detailed information is also included on sampling,trapping and rearing pests, their parasitoids and predators; theidentification of hymenopterous parasitoids; pathogens of oilseedrape pests, predators, predator taxonomy and identification, andthe impact of on-farm landscape structures and systems onpredators. This book is an essential purchase for all those involved withoilseed rape and for anyone with an interest in agriculturalbiocontrol strategies. It is also essential reading and aninvaluable source of reference for agricultural scientists,entomologists, crop protection specialists, advisers andconsultants. All agrochemical companies should have multiple copiesof this book on their shelves, as should all libraries inuniversities and research establishments where biological andagricultural sciences are studied and taught. Dr David V. Alford, based in Cambridge, UK, has manyyears of experience working as a government entomologist.