Biocontrol of Oilseed Rape Pests (PDF)

Oilseed rape, a major crop in many parts of the world, is attacked
by a wide range of insect pests, many of which are of considerable
economic importance. With the increasing demand to reduce
agrochemical inputs on arable crops, the Commission of the European
Communities supported a three-year programme in which scientific
participants reviewed the natural enemies of oilseed rape insect
pests. The various outputs from this important work form the basis
of this comprehensive new book.

Biocontrol of Oilseed Rape Pests commences with a review
of the oilseed rape crop, followed by chapters on pests, pest
management strategies and parasitoids of specific pests or groups
of pests. Detailed information is also included on sampling,
trapping and rearing pests, their parasitoids and predators; the
identification of hymenopterous parasitoids; pathogens of oilseed
rape pests, predators, predator taxonomy and identification, and
the impact of on-farm landscape structures and systems on
predators.

This book is an essential purchase for all those involved with
oilseed rape and for anyone with an interest in agricultural
biocontrol strategies. It is also essential reading and an
invaluable source of reference for agricultural scientists,
entomologists, crop protection specialists, advisers and
consultants. All agrochemical companies should have multiple copies
of this book on their shelves, as should all libraries in
universities and research establishments where biological and
agricultural sciences are studied and taught.

Dr David V. Alford, based in Cambridge, UK, has many
years of experience working as a government entomologist.