PARASITOIDS IN PEST MANAGEMENT (HB 2023) Hardcover

Pests inflict significant financial losses on crops and stored goods, and vectors spread disease to humans and animals. While synthetic pesticides offer immediate pest control, their negative side effects have prompted entomologists and agricultural experts to advocate for more environmentally friendly pest management strategies. Insect natural enemies, including predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, have garnered considerable scientific interest for their ability to naturally suppress pest populations within agricultural ecosystems. Parasitoids, in particular, are highly effective natural pest controllers. These specialized insects target specific hosts, with the female parasitoid seeking out a suitable host to lay her eggs, which then develop in, on, or near the host. Leveraging the power of parasitoids offers a promising and eco-conscious approach to managing troublesome pests. This book provides detailed information on key biocontrol agents effective in suppressing pests. It begins with an overview of insect parasitic groups and then delves into specific parasitoid groups. The aim is to offer a thorough understanding of beneficial parasitoids, making this book a valuable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Entomology, Biological Control, Plant Protection, Agricultural Zoology, and Zoology, as well as individuals preparing for competitive exams and those involved in policy development.