Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests

Scale insects are a major agricultural pest, causing billions of dollars in damage to crops worldwide annually. They are susceptible to control by natural enemies, and the Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests is the most comprehensive work on worldwide scale insect pests. It provides detailed coverage of the most important species, including information on their morphology, common names, principal synonyms, geographical distribution, plant hosts, plant damage and economic impact, reproductive biology, dispersal, and management strategies. Beneficial uses of scale insects include sources of red dyes, natural resins and waxes, and agents for invasive weed control.

Format: Hardback
Length: 640 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: CABI Publishing

Scale insects are a fascinating group of organisms that have evolved to feed on the sap of plants. These tiny creatures can easily be transported to new countries on live plants, making them a significant agricultural pest. Each year, scale insects cause billions of dollars in damage to crops worldwide, leading farmers to use toxic pesticides in an attempt to control them. However, these pesticides can have detrimental effects on the environment, harming beneficial insects and wildlife. Fortunately, scale insects are highly susceptible to control by natural enemies, making biological control a viable option.

These insects have unique genetic systems, undergo unusual metamorphosis, and have a wide range of essential symbionts. Some scale insects are even sources of commercial products such as red dyes, shellac, and wax. Their unique characteristics and abundance have sparked widespread interest in these insects.

The Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests is the most comprehensive work on worldwide scale insect pests. It provides detailed coverage of over 230 species in 26 families, representing 36% of the scale insect pest species known. The encyclopedia offers advice on collecting, preserving, slide-mounting, vouchering, and labeling specimens, all illustrated with color photographs, diagrams, and drawings. Pest species are organized into two informal groups: the primitive Archaeococcoids and the more advanced Neococcoids. Each family is illustrated and diagnosed based on features of live and slide-mounted specimens, including information on the number of genera and species, main hosts, distribution, and biology.

For important pest species, the encyclopedia provides comprehensive coverage of their morphology, common names, principal synonyms, geographical distribution, plant hosts, plant damage, economic impact, reproductive biology, dispersal, and management strategies. These strategies include biological control, cultural control, chemical control, sterile insect techniques, regulatory control, and earl.

In conclusion, scale insects are a significant agricultural pest that can cause significant damage to crops. However, their unique characteristics and susceptibility to control by natural enemies make biological control a viable option. The Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests is a valuable resource for researchers, farmers, and anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating insects and their impact on agriculture.

Weight: 2461g
Dimension: 276 x 219 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800620643