Theoretical Approaches to Biological Control [Paperback]

A balanced guide to the theoretical issues that need to be considered in applying biological control.Biological control is the suppression of pest populations with predators, parasitoids and pathogens. Historically, biological control has failed more often than it has succeeded, largely because its scientific basis has been poorly understood. This book synthesises recent theoretical developments and provides a balanced guide to the issues that need to be considered in applying theory to biological control. It will be a stimulating source book for all those interested in pest management, theoretical ecology and population biology.Biological control is the suppression of pest populations with predators, parasitoids and pathogens. Historically, biological control has failed more often than it has succeeded, largely because its scientific basis has been poorly understood. This book synthesises recent theoretical developments and provides a balanced guide to the issues that need to be considered in applying theory to biological control. It will be a stimulating source book for all those interested in pest management, theoretical ecology and population biology.Biological control is the suppression of pest populations by using predators, parasitoids, and pathogens. Historically, biological control has largely been used on a trial-and-error basis, and has failed more often than it has succeeded. However, by developing theories based on fundamental population principles and the biological characteristics of the pest and agent, we can gain a much better understanding of when and how to use biological control. This volume gathers recent theoretical developments and provides a balanced guide to the important issues that need to be considered when applying ecological theory to biological control.Preface; Part I. Biological Control Theory: Past and Present: 1. The theoretical foundations of biological control Alan A. Berryman; 2. Recent developments in theory for biological contlCs