Beneficial Insects

Insects are essential for maintaining balanced terrestrial ecosystems and food production. Many plants and animals depend on insects for survival, and their beneficial role is often overlooked or misunderstood. Chemical pesticides are becoming more regulated and environmentally undesirable, and low-input farming is becoming more prevalent. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) strategies are increasingly being developed to promote the survival and increase of natural enemies of pests.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Insects are undeniably vital components of life on our planet, playing a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of terrestrial ecosystems. Without the presence of insects, human survival would be severely compromised, and global food production would face significant challenges. It is remarkable to note that many plants and animals, including insectivorous birds, rely directly or indirectly on insects for their survival. This dependency is particularly evident in the case of insectivorous birds, which play a vital role in controlling insect populations and maintaining the health of ecosystems.

Unfortunately, the beneficial role of insects is often overlooked or misunderstood. In farming circles, the presence of insects on crops is often viewed as an unwelcome inconvenience. However, it is important to recognize that many insects are, in fact, beneficial. Parasitic and predatory species, for instance, play a critical role in controlling pest populations and preventing the spread of diseases.

The use of chemical pesticides to control crop pests has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, but it is important to acknowledge the environmental and health risks associated with these chemicals. Moreover, the overuse of pesticides can lead to the development of pesticide-resistant pests, further complicating the problem.

In response to these challenges, there has been a growing emphasis on developing sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management strategies. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) are two such strategies that are gaining popularity. IPM focuses on preventing pest problems from occurring in the first place by using a combination of techniques such as crop rotation, biological control agents, and pheromone traps. ICM, on the other hand, integrates pest management with other aspects of crop production, such as nutrient management and irrigation, to achieve a more holistic approach to agriculture.

One of the key features of this book is its comprehensive coverage of various groups of insects and mites that act as natural enemies or biological control agents of phytophagous insects and mites. These natural enemies play a critical role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and controlling pest populations. The book is lavishly illustrated with high-quality color photographs, providing a visual representation of these fascinating creatures and their important roles in the ecosystem.

In particular, the book focuses on insects and mites as natural enemies of plant pests, including parasitic and predacious species that have been accidentally or deliberately introduced in classical biological control programmes. These species have proven to be effective in controlling invasive weeds and promoting the health of ecosystems.

Furthermore, the book reviews the role of phytophagous European insects and mites in controlling or managing European plants that have become invasive weeds in other parts of the world, notably North America and Australia. This is an important issue as these invasive plants can have negative impacts on native ecosystems and biodiversity.

In conclusion, Insects: Natural Enemies and Biological Control Agents is a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable pest management and the conservation of ecosystems. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the beneficial role of insects in maintaining the balance of terrestrial ecosystems and highlights the importance of developing sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management strategies. By understanding the importance of insects and their natural enemies, we can work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for our planet.

Weight: 740g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032338415