Aphid Parasites Of Czechoslovakia

Studie přináší výsledky několikaletého zkoumání parazitů mšic v ČSSR. Podává v přehledné formě jejich taxonomii a určovací klíče. Zkoumá vztahy mezi faunou parazitů mšic v ČSSR a faunou sousedících zemí a vztahy mezi.

An analysis of the particular topics in biological control programmes all over the world indicates an increased interest in the utilization of aphid parasites. Besides the so-called traditional biological control of introduced aphids, there appears a situation which could perhaps be called a renaissance of biocontrol, i. e. the utilization of biotic agents against insecticide-resistant populations of aphid pests. The rapid increase in the amount of information as well as the necessity of syntheti- cal papers are the well-known features in today's entomology. This requirement is much more topical in the groups where brief summarized information is needed for research workers in applied branches. The author has been well aware of all these difficulties and requirements owing to his own experience both in basic and applied research. Several years ago he decided to summarize our knowledge on the aphid parasites of the world by elaborating synthetical studies on the particular zoogeographical areas.These papers have been intended to represent annotated reviews of the parasite fauna, distribution, biologies and utilization in aphid pest management, with keys to genera and species, hos- parasite catalogue, and a list of references added. Naturally, these studies are only relatively updated, with respect to a certain deadline from which the research may be further continued. At present, the Far East Asian and the Mediterranean areas have been reviewed in this or at least in a similar manner.

Pests cause economic damage to crops and stored products, while vectors are responsible for the transmission of disease-causing agents in human beings and livestock. Although the application of synthetic pesticides in agriculture has given immediate relief, it has also caused well-known side effects, leading to a general consensus among entomologists and agriculturists to shift towards other ecofriendly pest management. Insect natural enemies consisting of predators, parasitoids, and pathogens have attracted the attention of scientists across the globe. These natural enemies exist in agroecosystems and suppress the populations of pests. Parasitoids are farmers’ friends and the most successful group of natural enemies. Highly specialised in their host choice, the female parasitoid searches for a suitable host to lay eggs and larvae in, on or near the hosts. Exploiting this potency of parasitoids may yield successful results in controlling notorious pests in an ecofriendly way. This book covers information on the important biocontrol agents effective in pest suppression. It starts with insect parasitic groups followed by specific groups of parasitoids. It is hoped that the book presents a comprehensive account of beneficial parasitoirds, and will be useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students of Entomology, Biological Control, Plant Protection, Agricultural Zoology, and Zoology, besides those involved in competitive examinations and policy planning. Features: Each chapter has been written by very experienced specialists Every chapter includes Learning Objectives and Points to Remember This book offers comprehensive knowledge of parasitoids and their application in pest management in a rational way

The dominance of insects amongst all living organisms on earth, coupled with infinite wealth of knowledge so important for our own existence, is a fundamental scientific fact which is yet to be widely acknowledged. This dominance means that in numbers of species beyond our comprehension these animals permeate diverse and essential natural processes in Earth's terrestrial, aerial and freshwater ecosystems, contributing to the function of the natural world as a self-sustaining biological system. Invariably insects are an integral and complex part of the terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems with which the future of humans is inextricably linked. Insects have ultimately achieved a formidable diversity. Generally, insects are beneficial organisms, however, many of them are important pests and/or vectors to a large number of parasites and other microbial pathogens to both human being, his associates and the plants. The burden caused by their infestation or infection run up to several million-zillion rupees annually. Therefore, knowledge about extreme biodiversity and ecological relationships of these animals is a practical necessity: in the man's own interest to sustain the species. Packed with original 25 original articles/reviews, this book on 'Entomology: Ecology and Biodiversity' offers an invaluable opportunity to comprehend more deeply about our most intimate allies - the insects! The book truly establishes a foundation in basic entomology through varied and diverse treatment to entomology, while focusing on specialized topics in insect ecology and biodiversity, forensic and medical entomology.