Molecular Approaches For Sustainable Insect Pest Management

This book offers a range of environmentally benign molecular mechanisms which are safer alternative strategies for effective insect pest management. In modern era of biotechnology, there has been much advancement in the field of molecular biology, where many more techniques have evolved which can be helpful in the field of pest management too. Plant resistance, development of transgenic plants, and many more techniques are being considered the panacea to pest problems. On the other hand, there are wide spread concerns of the safety of biotechnological interventions with nontarget organisms including humans. While the world stands divided on the ethical issues of these approaches and the many safety concerns, scientists believe that well thought of biotechnological interventions are probably the only safest ways possible for reducing pest attacks on crops. It explores various techniques and aspects related to molecular pathways for crop pest control. This book is a useful resource for postgraduate students and researchers of agriculture sciences, plant pathology and plant physiology. It is also useful for policy planners in agriculture.

This Volume comprises 14 chapters in an attempt to provide the reader with available information on safe and effective use of entomopathogens. Chapters in this book dealing with soil-borne entomopathogens and their phylogeny also provide a review on most updated information of their isolation and molecular identification. Employing fungal pathogens in biological control programmes plays a key role, and conidial thermotolerance and oxidative stress are examined in separate chapters. Entomopathogenic bacteria are able to kill their hosts quickly. An important contribution concerns informations provided upon bacterial cytotoxic factors on insect haemocytes. Nematodes are biological control agents safe to the environment. The information with respect to their direct and indirect effects on non-target organisms is provided. Viruses as highly specific, virulent candidates for use as biological insecticides are safe to non-target species. A separate chapter on the role of granuloviruses in IPM contributes a wealth of information. Biopesticides in combination with synthetic insecticides are reported as effective, economic, and eco-friendly. Understanding their interactions will certainly promote their uses. Finally, emphasis has been given on reviewing synergistic and antagonistic interactions of microbial and chemical pesticides, in other chapters.

This book offer a plethora of environmentally benign alternatives to these chemical insecticides. It is hoped that the book will fill the wide gap in literature on utilization of biological and molecular approaches in biointensive IPM as an alternative to chemical insecticide based IPM for sustainable insect pest management in future.

Due to increasing problems occurring from massive applications of pesticides, such as insect resistance to pesticides, the use of biotechnological tools to minimize losses from insect pests has become inevitable. Presenting alternative strategies for alleviating biotic stresses, Biotechnological Approaches for Pest Management and Ecological Sustainability explores how the modern tools of biotechnology can be used in pest management for sustainable crop production, the biosafety of transgenic crops, and environmental conservation. This comprehensive work covers a gamut of issues ranging from host plant resistance to insect pests to the application of molecular approaches for pest management. It discusses phenotyping transgenic plants, mapping populations for insect resistance, physico-chemical and molecular markers associated with insect resistance, the potential of insect-resistant transgenic crops for pest management, and the use of biotechnological tools for diagnosing insects and monitoring insect resistance to insecticides. The author examines how genetic engineering can be used to produce robust natural enemies and more virulent strains of entomopathogenic microbes. He also studies issues related to gene flow, resistance to transgenes and selection markers, the biosafety of food derived from genetically engineered plants, and the potential application of molecular tools for solving some of the intricate pest problems in the future. Focusing on how to make the development and deployment of biotechnology-derived products for pest management safe and cost-effective, this book will enable readers to make informed decisions on genetically engineered organisms for pest management and sustainable crop production.

While many books are available on biological control, this is the only book to detail the application of molecular biology to control of pests and diseases. Each chapter deals with a different pathogen and the application of new molecular biological techniques to the biocontrol of the pathogen. This new reference presents the most comprehensive list of organisms available. Internationally respected experts discuss viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, protozoa, weeds, and insects. Types of control methods are described, and techniques commonly used in molecular biology to identify the etiological agents, diagnose diseases, and develop control methods are reviewed.

Insecticides - Advances in Insect Control and Sustainable Pest Management offers an in-depth exploration of insect control, showcasing the latest scientific advancements, practical applications, and sustainable solutions. Insects play a crucial role in our ecosystem, but their presence can also present significant challenges to agriculture, public health, and the environment. This book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the cutting-edge approaches to insect control, providing valuable insights into the development and implementation of innovative insecticides. Authored by a team of renowned experts, the book delves into the fascinating world of insect biology, examining the intricate mechanisms that drive their behavior and evolution. With a strong focus on sustainable pest management, the book emphasizes environmentally friendly methods that minimize the impact on non-target organisms and reduce chemical residues in the environment. Within the pages of this book, readers will discover a wealth of information on emerging insecticide technologies, including novel chemical compounds, biological agents, and genetic engineering approaches. The effectiveness, safety profiles, and modes of action of these advancements are thoroughly analyzed, equipping professionals and researchers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions and develop integrated pest management strategies. Whether you are a scientist, student, or practitioner in the fields of entomology, agriculture, or public health, Insecticides - Advances in Insect Control and Sustainable Pest Management is an essential resource that provides a comprehensive understanding of insect control. It addresses critical issues such as insect resistance, regulatory frameworks, and the social and economic implications of insecticide use, paving the way for sustainable pest management practices. Embark on a journey through the intricate world of insects and explore the innovative solutions designed to control them. With up-to-date research, practical applications, and a focus on sustainability, this book is an invaluable companion for navigating the complex realm of insect control in the 21st century.

Pest and disease management continues to challenge the agricultural community. The rise in new pest and crop problems juxtaposed with public concern over pesticide use and more stringent environmental regulations creates the need for today's agricultural producers to stay current with new technologies for producing quality crops profitably. Biological and Biotechnological Control of Insect Pests presents an overview of alternative measures to traditional pest management practices, utilizing biological control and biotechnology. The removal of some highly effective broad-spectrum chemicals, caused by concerns over environmental health and public safety, has resulted in the development of alternative, reduced risk crop protection products. These products, less toxic to the environment and easily integrated into biological control systems, target specific life stages or pest species. Predation - recognized as a suitable, long term strategy - effectively suppresses pests in biotechnological control systems. Biological and Biotechnological Control of Insect Pests covers these topics and more. It explores the current approaches in alternative solutions such as: biological control agents, parasites and predators, pathogenic microorganisms, pheromones, botanical insecticides, genetic control, genetic engineering of plants and biocontrol agents, and government regulations for biocontrol agents and recombinant DNA technology. This book will be a useful resource to entomologists, agronomists, horticulturists, and environmental scientists.