Mites (Acari) for Pest Control

Mites (Acari) for Pest Control is an extremely comprehensive publication, covering in depth the 34 acarine families that contain mites useful for the control of pest mites and insects, nematodes and weeds. In addition to providing information on each relevant acarine family, the book includes essential information on the introduction, culture and establishment of acarine biocontrol agents, the effects of the host plants, agrochemicals and environmental factors on mites used in biological control and discusses commercial and economic considerations in their use.

Mites are now used in various ways for biological control, with a growing number of species being sold commercially throughout the world. The authors of this landmark publication, who have between them a huge wealth of experience working with mites in biological control programs, have put together a book that will for many years be the standard reference on the subject.

The book will be of great value to all those working in crop protection and biological control both in research as well as in commercial operations, including acarologists, entomologists, integrated pest management specialists, agricultural and plant scientists. Libraries in all universities and research establishments where these subjects are studied and taught should all have copies on their shelves.

Table of Contents

Introduction; History and current work; the Acari; Illustrated keys to ABA families; Treatment of individual families; Introduction, culture and establishment; Sex ratio of ABAs and its effect on mass-rearing, establishment and field performance; Influence of host plants and host pests on the efficacy of ABAs; Mutual interference between ABAs and natural enemies of ABAs; The effect of pesticides on ABAs; Acarine biocontrol agents as predators; Attributes of efficient ABAs and demonstrating their efficacy; Environmental constraints in the use of ABAs; Economics and commercial aspects; Recommendations for future work; References; Glossary.