Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology

Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology, Second Edition, describes a wide range of techniques used in the identification, isolation, propagation/cultivation, bioassay, quantification, preservation, and storage of the major groups of entomopathogens, including entomophthorales, entomopathogenic fungi, entomopathogenic bacteria of the Bacilli, Nematode parasites, and pathogens and parasites of terrestrial molluscs. The book presents the perspectives of an international group of experts in the fields of invertebrate pathology, including microbiology, mycology, virology, nematology, biological control, and integrated pest management. Organized into 15 chapters, the book covers methods for the study of virtually every major group of entomopathogen, as well as methods for discovery and diagnosis of entomopathogens and the use of complementary methods for microscopy. It discusses the use of molecular techniques for identifying and determining phylogeny, factors that contribute to resistance to entomopathogens, and several other aspects of the science of invertebrate pathology. It also explains initial handling and diagnosis of diseased invertebrates, basic techniques in insect virology, and bioassay of bacterial entomopathogens against insect larvae. In addition, the reader is introduced to the use of bacteria against soil-inhabiting insects and preservation of entomopathogenic fungal cultures. The remaining chapters focus on research methods for entomopathogenic microsporidia and other protists, how the pathogenicity and infectivity of entomopathogens to mammals are tested, and preparations of entomopathogens and diseased specimens for more detailed study using microscopy. Experienced insect pathologists, biologists, entomologists, students, biotechnology personnel, technicians, those working in the biopesticide industry, and government regulators will find this manual extremely helpful.

• Step-by-step instructions for the latest techniques on how to isolate, identify, culture, bioassay and store the major groups of entomopathogens
• New edition fully updated to address changes in the taxonomy of the vast majority of taxa
• Discussion of safety testing of entomopathogens in mammals and also broader methods such as microscopy and molecular techniques
• Provides extensive supplemental literature and recipes for media, fixatives and stains

Dr. Lacey earned his PhD in 1978 and has been internationally active working in medical entomology, insect pathology, and microbial control of economically and medically important insects. He conducted research on the biology and microbial control of dozens of insects in the US, Amazon Basin, West Africa in the Azores, throughout Europe, the Middle East and Western and Southeast Asia and the Pacific Northwest of the USA. In his 40 year career he has written or co-authored nearly 150 refereed papers in medical entomology, agricultural entomology, and insect pathology, and edited and co-edited seven books, including the Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology, second edition and Microbial Control of Insect and Mite Pests: From Theory to Practice.