|
Biologische Schadlingsbekampfung by
J. M. Franz and A. Krieg. 1972. Paul Parey Verlag, Gerlin, 208 p. 16 fig. This book will prove informative to
all persons interested in the control of pest organisms, particularly pest
arthropods. It illustrates principles
and givs timely examples. This
pocket-sized popularly priced book discusses in simple terms the potentials
and limitations of biological pest control. it is refreshing to read a synthesis
of contemporary thoughts on the subject of biological control written by
leading experts and condensed into a book of this size. A forceful step away from redundancy and
sensationalism of the subject has been taken, which reflects an authentic
comprehension of biological control and emphasizes truly significant
contributions. In this sense, it is
interesting to note that the cited literature is greatly reduced over that
contained in certain contemporary works on the subject, which appear to serve
more as advertising media in disguise for a selected group of investigators
as originators of long-established concepts. Regional emphasis is placed on the
use of biological control in Europe, Germany especially. A similar treatment for other regions of
the world would undoubtedly further the adoption of more sound ecological
approaches to pest control in those areas. The authors propose several positive
steps for advancement of biological control, including the use of natural
enemies resistant to pesticides, spatial concentration of natural enemies
through cultural and physiochemical means, mass releases of entomophagous
arthropods, discovery and importation of new species of natural enemies to
combat both native and imported pests, technological developments to produce
more potent virus preparations for use against certain difficult species,
further research into the use of natural enemies in greenhouses, especially
where resistance and toxic residue problems exist, and trials with repellants
and attractants to concentrate pest species around pesticide-treated areas
while repelling beneficial species.
Chapter headlines are natural balance or pest control; physical,
chemical and cultural control; specific qualities of biological methods,
characteristics of beneficial organisms and how they are applied, the use of
vertebrates (fish, amphibians, birds, mammals), the use of arthropods,
nematodes and snails, the use of pathogens (microbial pest control, microbial
control of vertebrates, insects and microbes). Biological weed control:
native and imported weeds, and specifically European problems. Also the use of autocidal control. Regarding Introductions: the principal natural incompatibility such
as sterilization by radiation, chemosterilization, translocation and other
genetic mechanisms, practical steps such as biotechnical methods, physical
stimuli such as those with chemicals, and integrated control. Past and future trends are considered. The authors point out that many more
biological solutions to pest problems exist than are currently being
employed, and they go on the describe the possibilities in considerable
detail. They express optimism toward
solving many pressing prolems by integration of biological and other control
methods in a total effort. The
success of newly developed techniques such as inundation with pathogens,
entomophagous arthropods, and sterils mails refutes the notion that
beneficial organisms cannot cope with contemporary pest problems. Biotechnology is defined, and such
examples as the use of light, phagostimulants and deterrents, pheromones and
hormones are discussed. Present
concepts of an economic injury level are questioned and the application of
biological control in home gardens is clarified. E. F. LEGNER Division of Biological Control Department of Entomology University of California Riverside, CA 92502 |