Biological control is a scientifically sound and environmentally compatible approach to pest, pathogen and weed management that utilizes natural enemies and beneficial organisms to suppress harmful species. This book provides a comprehensive and systematic account of the principles, practices and applications of biological control, covering parasitoids, predators, entomopathogens, microbial agents, nematodes and insect-based weed management. It integrates fundamental concepts with practical aspects such as mass production, formulation, quality control, field release, conservation, economics and evaluation of biological control agents. The book also discusses insect pathology, host-seeking behaviour, adaptation, semiochemicals, quarantine regulations, biotechnology and successful biological control programmes. Special emphasis has been given to contemporary developments, emerging trends and future possibilities in biological control. The subject matter is supported with appropriate scientific concepts, examples, tables and relevant technical information to facilitate clear understanding. It is designed to meet the academic and practical requirements of undergraduate and postgraduate students, teachers, researchers, extension personnel and professionals working in entomology, plant protection, biological control and integrated pest management.

Features

• Comprehensive coverage of biological control: The book systematically covers the history,
  principles and scope of biological control, important parasitoids, predators and
  pathogens, classical biological control, augmentation and conservation, as well as the
  biology and behaviour of beneficial insect groups.
• Strong emphasis on practical and applied aspects: Detailed information is provided on
  insect pathogens, entomopathogenic nematodes, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and
  related organisms, including their mode of action, mass production, formulation, quality
  control, economics, field release, application and evaluation. Biological control of weeds,
  insect pathology and host–pathogen interactions are also addressed.
• Contemporary approaches and future perspectives: The book incorporates recent
  concepts related to behavioural adaptation, semiochemicals, quarantine regulations,
  biotechnology, successful biological control programmes, their analysis, emerging trends
  and future possibilities, making it useful for both academic learning and practical
  applications in sustainable pest management.

• History, Principles and Scope of Biological Control
• Important Groups of Parasitoids, Predators and Pathogens
• Principles of Classical Biological Control- Importation, Augmentation and Conservation
• History of Insect Pathology
• Infection of Insects by Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses, Protozoa, Rickettsiae, Spiroplasma and Nematodes
• Biology, Adaptation, Host Seeking Behaviour of Predatory and Parasitic Groupsof Insects
• Role of Insect Pathogenic Nematodes, Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa, Etc., their Mode of Action
• Biological Control of Weeds Using Insects
• Epizootiology, Symptomatology and Etiology of Diseases Caused by the Above and the Factors Controlling These
• Defense Mechanisms in Insects Against Pathogens
• Mass Production of Quality Bio-control Agents- Techniques, Formulations,Economics, Field Release/Application and Evaluation
• Development of Insectaries, their Maintenance
• Successful Biological Control Projects, Analysis, Trends and Future Possibilities of Biological Control
• Importation of Natural Enemies- Quarantine Regulations, Biotechnology in Biological Control
• Semiochemicals in Biological Control