Control of Pests and Weeds by Natural Enemies : An Introduction to Biological Control

Biological control – utilizing a population of natural enemies to seasonally or permanently suppress pests – is not a new concept. The cottony cushion scale, which nearly destroyed the citrus industry of California, was controlled by an introduced predatory insect in the 1880s. Accelerated invasions by insects and spread of weedy non-native plants in the last century have increased the need for the use of biological control. Use of carefully chosen natural enemies has become a major tool for the protection of natural ecosystems, biodiversity and agricultural and urban environments.

This book offers a multifaceted yet integrated discussion on two major applications of biological control: permanent control of invasive insects and plants at the landscape level and temporary suppression of both native and exotic pests in farms, tree plantations, and greenhouses. Written by leading international experts in the field, the text discusses control of invasive species and the role of natural enemies in pest management.

This book is essential reading for courses on Invasive Species, Pest Management, and Crop Protection. It is an invaluable reference book for biocontrol professionals, restorationists, agriculturalists, and wildlife biologists.

Further information and resources can be found on the Editor’s own website at: www.invasiveforestinsectandweedbiocontrol.info/index.htm

Roy Van Driesche, University of Massachusetts, is an expert in biological control in the Entomology Division of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. An earlier book on this topic by Van Driesche was published in 1996 as well as one on the invasive species problem. He is currently working to resolve the threat to eastern hemlock (a native forest tree) posed by an invasive Japanese adelgid.

Mark Hoddle, University of California, Riverside, has written numerous articles and edited conference proceedings on biocontrol. He has recently successfully controlled the glassy wing sharpshooter in French Polynesia with introduced egg parasitoids.

Ted Center, US Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, is a world leader in biological control of invasive plants, in particular against the world’s worst water weed, waterhyacinth, and against melaleuca, an invasive Australian tree threatening the survival of the Florida Everglades, a World Heritage site.