Biological Control
Ecology and Applications

This book enhances our understanding of biological control, integrating historical analysis, theoretical models and case studies in an ecological framework.

George E. Heimpel (Author), Nicholas J. Mills (Author)

9780521845144, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 April 2017

386 pages, 117 b/w illus. 17 tables
25.4 x 19.5 x 2 cm, 0.99 kg

'It is an oftentimes cerebral and always well-referenced discussion of scientific issues facing biological control, and their implications for its practice. … The volume is an advanced tour de force by two leaders in the field …' Donald C. Weber, The Quarterly Review of Biology

Biological control is the suppression of populations of pests and weeds by living organisms. These organisms can provide important protection from invasive species and protect our environment by reducing the need for pesticides. However, they also pose possible environmental risks, so biological control interventions must be undertaken with great care. This book enhances our understanding of biological control interactions by combining theory and practical application. Using a combination of historical analyses, theoretical models and case studies, with explicit links to invasion biology, the authors cover biological control of insects, weeds, plant pathogens and vertebrate animals. The book reflects increasing recognition of risks over the past 20 years, and incorporates the latest technological advances and theoretical developments. It is ideal for researchers and students of biological control and invasion biology.

Foreword Jacques Brodeur
Preface
1. Definitions and interactions
2. Biological control and invasion biology
3. Importation biological control – the scope of success
4. Negative consequences of biological control
5. Ecological risk analysis in biological control
6. Population dynamics in biological control
7. Biological control and evolution
8. Augmentation: orchestrating local invasions
9. Conservation biological control I: orchestrating natural control through habitat manipulation
10. Conservation biological control II: orchestrating natural control through pesticide reduction or selection.

Subject Areas: Pest control [TVP], Agronomy & crop production [TVK], Sustainable agriculture [TVF], Applied ecology [RNC], Insects [entomology PSVT7], Animal ecology [PSVS], Plant ecology [PSTS], Evolution [PSAJ], Biology, life sciences [PS], Agriculture & related industries [KNAC]