Synopses & Reviews
This book presents a fresh, broad look at insects and their relationships to humans and human activities. The entire field of applied entomology is covered and both insect and mite pests are presented in medical, veterinary, domestic, and agricultural contexts. The many benefits of insects to humans are also emphasized, especially their value as plant pollinators and as biocontrol agents which keep so many pest populations suppressed. The book has been produced in conjunction with the Institute of Biology, London, UK and its coverage is international. Many of the author's personal observations are included, originating from his many years experience as an applied entomologist in South East Asia, East Africa and Britain. The book is also wonderfully illustrated with over 180 line drawings, many of which are from the author's personal collection. There are also over 100 photographs from all parts of the world. The Economic Importance of Insects will prove an invaluable source of information for undergraduate and postgraduate students of applied entomology and acarology, pest control, agricultural science and medical and veterinary entomology.
Review
`An excellent text and reference book for students and entomologists and natural historians.' ASLIB Book Guide
Synopsis
In the last few decades there has been an ever-increasing component in most BSc Zoology degree courses of cell biology, physiology and genetics, for spectacular developments have taken place in these fields. Some aspects of biotechnology are now also being included. In order to accommodate the new material, the old zoology courses were altered and the traditional two-year basis of systematics of the animal kingdom, comparative anatomy (and physiology) and evolution, was either severely trimmed or reduced and presented in an abridged form under another title. Soon after these course alterations came the swing to modular teaching in the form of a series of shorter, separate courses, some of which were optional. The entire BSc degree course took on a different appearance and several different basic themes became possible. One major result was that in the great majority of cases taxonomy and systematics were no longer taught and biology students graduated without this basic training. We field biologists did appreciate the rising interest in ecology and environ mental studies, but at the same time lamented the shortage of taxonomic skills, so that often field work was based on incorrect identifications. For years many of us with taxonomic inclinations have been bedevilled by the problem of teaching systematics to undergraduates. At a guess, maybe only 5% of students find systematics interesting. It is, however, the very basis of all studies in biology - the correct identification of the organism concerned and its relationships to others in the community."
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [379]-384) and index.
Table of Contents
Preface. 1: Introduction. 2: Beneficial insects: Pollination. Apiculture. Sericulture. Insect farming. Natural control of pests. Biological Control of pests. Insects in natural foodwebs. Insects as human food. Miscellaneous. 3: Pest definitions: Definitions. Development of pest status. 4: Damage caused by Insecta and Acarina. Indirect damage. Direct damage. Host vulnerability. Damage assessment. 5: Harmful insects: Medical pests. Veterinary pests. Household and stored products pests. Agricultural pests. Forestry pests. 6: Insect pest control: Legislation. Physical methods. Cultural methods. Breeding/genetic methods. Biological control (biocontrol). Chemical control. IPM. Pest eradication. Glossary. References and further reading. Index.