Biological Control Benefits and Risks [Paperback]

This book discusses and debates the benefits and risks associated with biological control.This book is the outcome of a unique gathering of thirty top specialists in the world to discuss and debate the benefits and risks associated with biological control.This book is the outcome of a unique gathering of thirty top specialists in the world to discuss and debate the benefits and risks associated with biological control.Biological control of insect pests, plant pathogens and weeds, is the only major alternative to the use of pesticides in agriculture and forestry. As with all technologies, there are benefits and risks associated with their utilization. This book is the outcome of a unique gathering of specialists to discuss and debate the benefits and risks associated with biological control. After intensive interaction it was concluded that we must place greater emphasis on the benefits, while not ignoring the potential risks. The authors address the various techniques and approaches used in biological control, including state-of-the-art reports and economic and risk analyses. The book will be of interest to researchers and postgraduate students in academia and industry in biotechnology, agriculture, forestry and environmental sciences.Overview of benefits and risks of biological control introductions; Part I. Biological Invasions: 1. Suppressiveness of soils to invading micro-organisms Claude Alabouvette and C. Steinberg; 2. Biotechnology: environmental impacts of introducing crops and biocontrol agents in North American agriculture David Pimentel; 3. Frequency and consequences of insect invasions Joop C. van Lenteren; 4. Integrated pest management (IPM) in fruit orchards Torgeir Edland; Part II. Classical Biocontrol: 5. Benefits and risks of classical biological control David J. Greathead; 6. Potential impacts on threatened and endangered insects species in the United States from introductions of parasitic hymenoptera for the control of insect pests Keith R. Hopperlã)