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      • Trusted Partner

        Celebration of Life: Secrets of Evolution

        by Miao Desui

        What is life? Different people have different views. In the book Celebration of Life: Secrets of Evolution, Professor Miao Desui presents to readers epic and magnificent scenes of life evolution using rigorous, lucid, and poetic language. The book contains topics and contents including the origin of life, biological inheritance and variation, evidence of biological evolution, adaptability to the environment of living things, and other hot spots like genes, bacteria, and viruses. It not only reveals the true connotation of life, but also could make people marvel at the magnificence of the world.

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        September 2020

        Butterfly Biology Systems

        Connections and Interactions in Life History and Behaviour

        by Roger L H Dennis, Ali Thompson

        Butterflies, among key animals for assessing environmental changes have consequently also become prominent model organisms for the study of trade-offs in life history and behavioural traits. Examples include factors affecting the size of egg batches, fast or slow larval growth, waiting or searching for mates, migrating or staying put in the habitat, roosting alone or together in aggregations, and the development of different defence mechanisms. The book focusses on the factors and trade-offs leading to the development and evolution of distinct traits emerging in the life cycle of butterflies within their habitats. In this book the reader is taken systematically through research findings in each life history stage, on the links identified between different aspects of butterfly biology that have been discovered, and introduced to novel ideas emerging from taking an integrative view of butterfly life history and behaviour. The book is divided into four sections: A: Language and concepts of system's theory, B: Perspectives on butterfly biology, C: Butterfly life history - basic trade-offs in reproduction, development and survival, and D: Butterfly behaviour - interactive adjustments in the habitat. The first section deals with the study of relationships in biological systems. The second is an introduction to key aspects of butterfly biology, such as broad issues in taxonomy, the fossil record, variation in space-time, habitat and niche, and the butterfly body frame. The last two longer sections deal directly with the key puzzles in life history and behaviour. The book has been composed primarily for students and researchers in butterfly biology, but it should be of interest to all those who enjoy observing butterflies. For the researcher into butterfly biology it is supported by an extensive glossary and bibliography and, to encourage incentives for ideas, it is liberally illustrated with diagrams for exploring in greater depth the relationships in butterfly biology.

      • Trusted Partner
        December 2023

        Biology and Management of the Formosan Subterranean Termite and Related Species

        by Nan-Yao Su, Chow-Yang Lee, Lauren Davies, Thomas Chouvenc, J. Kenneth Grace, Claudia Husseneder, Shuji Itakura, Hou-Feng Li, Nathan Lo, Kok-Boon Neoh, Wakako Ohmura, Faith M. Oi, Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, Qian Sun, Gaku Tokuda, Edward L. Vargo, Chia-Chien Wu, Koichi Yamamoto

        The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, is the most destructive and invasive termite species globally. It is also the only termite species listed in the world's 100 worst invasive alien species of the Global Invasive Species Database. Annually, its infestation costs more than $4 billion in control and damage repairs in the USA alone. This book is the first comprehensive resource drawing on all the literature on C. formosanus since Tokuichi Shiraki first described the species in 1909. The book covers the worldwide distribution of this species, its biogeography, and how it has dispersed from its native range in southern China and Taiwan to different parts of the world. It describes its present taxonomic status and discusses the species' biology, ecology, foraging behavior, physiology, chemical ecology and its association with symbionts. From a practical standpoint, the authors address all of the various management options for this species, such as baits, soil termiticides, wood preservatives, inspection and detection technologies, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. Lastly, there are chapters dedicated to another important destructive species, Coptotermes gestroi (the Asian subterranean termite), and the recently discovered C. formosanus/C. gestroi hybrids. This important book is an essential and valuable reference for researchers, graduate students, pest management professionals, chemical manufacturer personnel, building and property managers, and others. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the biology and management of the Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite.

      • Trusted Partner
        Biotechnology
        December 2003

        Genetics, Evolution and Biological Control

        by Edited by Professor Lester E Ehler, Rene Sforza, Thierry Mateille

        This book has been developed from the keynote addresses delivered at the third IOBC International Symposium (co-organized with CILBA) that was held in Montpellier in October 2002, to address recent developments in genetics and evolutionary biology as applied to biological control. Chapters are organized around the following themes: Genetic structure of pest and natural enemy populations Molecular diagnostic tools in biological control Tracing the origin of pests and natural enemies Predicting evolutionary change in pests and natural enemies Compatibility of transgenic crops and natural enemies Genetic manipulation of natural enemies. The authors identify new issues for each of the major approaches in applied biological control. These include the (1) use of molecular genetics to trace the origin of target pests in classical biological control, (2) potential of mass-reared, transgenic agents in augmentative biological control, and (3) compatibility of transgenic crops and natural enemies in conservational biological control.

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        December 2019

        Biological Control in Latin America and the Caribbean

        Its Rich History and Bright Future

        by J C van Lenteren, Vanda H.P. Bueno, Maria Gabriela Luna, Yelitza Colmenarez

        The book summarizes the history of biological control in Latin America and the Caribbean. Few publications provide historical detail and the records are, therefore, fragmented until now. By bringing information together in this book, we offer a more complete picture of important developments in biological control on this continent. There are a wealth of text, tables and references about the history of such projects, and which were successful and which failed. This will help plan future biocontrol projects. An overview is provided of the current situation in biological control for many Latin American and Caribbean countries, revealing an astonishing level of practical biological control applied in the region, making it the largest area under biological control worldwide. The final part describes new developments and speculates about the future of biological control in Latin America and the Caribbean.

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        April 2022

        Nematodes as Model Organisms

        by Itamar Glazer, David I Shapiro-llan, Paul W. Sternberg

        Nematodes, which are small multi cellular organisms have been used as biological models since the 1960's. The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans is a free-living nematode, about 1mm in length, that lives in temperate soil environments. It is made up of about 1000 cells, and has a short life cycle of only 2 weeks. It was the first multicellular organism to have its whole genome sequenced. The book includes chapters that summarize the importance of nematodes as model organisms in the fields of genetics, developmental biology, neurobiology, pharmacology, nutrition, ecology and parasitology. Of interest to a broad audience across a wide spectrum of disciplines, the book is useful for biologists working on comparative studies to investigate biological processes across organisms; medical scientists and pharmacologist for exploration of drugs and medicine (including the use of genome editing to eliminate diseases); ecologists considering nematodes as indicators for environment changes; and parasitologists for host-parasite interactions. Many other researchers can use this book as a benchmark for the broad implications of nematology research on other aspects of science.

      • Trusted Partner
        Insecticide & herbicide technology
        August 2007

        Biological Control

        A Global Perspective

        by Charles Vincent, Mark S. Goettel, George Lazarovits, Michael J. Wilson

        Biological control, the management of pests by the use of living organisms, has a long history of application to agriculture around the world. However, the effective use of beneficial organisms is constrained by environmental, legal, and economic restrictions, forcing researchers to adopt increasingly multi-disciplinary techniques in order to deploy successful biological control programs. It is this complex process, including the mindset and the social environment of the researcher as well as the science being pursued, that this book seeks to capture. Chapters reveal the experiences of scientists from the initial search for suitable control agents, to their release into ecosystems and finally to the beneficial outcomes which demonstrate the great success of biological control across diverse agro-ecosystems. Drawing together historical perspectives and approaches used in the development of biological control as well as outlining current debates surrounding terminology and differential techniques, Biological Control: A Global Perspective will be a valuable resource.

      • Trusted Partner
        2023

        Food Composition Table for the Practice

        The small Souci/Fachmann/Kraut

        by Founded by S.W. Souci, W. Fachmann and H. Kraut. Revised by Dr. Petra Steinhaus. Edited by the Leibniz Institute of Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich.

        ■ How many omega-3 fatty acids does salmon contain? ■ Which dairy product contains the most calcium? ■ How iron-rich is spinach, really? Whether calories, vitamins or amino acids – whether in field beans, bananas, eggs, chicken, parmesan cheese or onion – it is all here. The compact edition of the time-tested „large SFK [Souci/Fachmann/Kraut]“ offers tested data on over 70 ingredients in more than 360 foods, systematically structured according to food groups. This edition with thousands of values has been completely revised and updated by the Leibniz Institute of Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich. Extra: 32 summary tables cover more than 300 other, less common foods and allow for targeted, clear comparisons. 16 orientation tables provide information about foods with particularly high or low amounts of ingredients. Nutritional values, energy content, main components and ingredients displayed in uniform systematics and a practical format – just look it up!

      • Trusted Partner
        Insecticide & herbicide technology
        December 2000

        Evaluating Indirect Ecological Effects of Biological Control

        by Edited by Eric Wajnberg, John K Scott, Paul C Quimby

        A major concern for biological control has always been the risk of indirect unwanted effects on the ecology of other organisms. Our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying these effects has until now been limited and experimental methods sometimes lacking. This book presents the key papers from of the first International Organisation for Biological Control global symposium, held in Montpellier, France, in October 1999. It addresses the issues and concerns involved in biological control, and assesses the current status of evaluation of the ecological effects.

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        November 2016

        Review of Invertebrate Biological Control Agents Introduced into Europe

        by Esther Gerber, Urs Schaffner

        An overview of all documented releases of exotic invertebrate biological control agents (IBCAs) into Europe. The book summarizes key information on 176 IBCAs released against 58 target pests, and includes a summary chapter on releases in Europe over the past 110 years. The information is largely based on the BIOCAT database, originally developed by the late D.J. Greathead (former director of the International Institute of Biological Control, now part of CABI) and updated by CABI scientists. ; This book provides an overview of all documented releases of exotic (non-European) invertebrate biological control agents (IBCAs) into the environment in Europe and summarizes key information on the target species as well as on the biological control agent released. ; 1: Exotic Insect Biocontrol Agents Released in Europe2: European Insect Biocontrol Agents Released in Europe3: Weed Biocontrol4: Discussion

      • Trusted Partner
        Organic farming
        May 2006

        Environmental Impact of Invertebrates for Biological Control of Arthropods

        Methods and Risk Assessment

        by Edited by Franz Bigler, Dirk Babendreier, Ulrich Kuhlmann

        This book provides an invaluable review of the current methodologies used for assessing the environmental impacts of invertebrate biological agents used to control pests in agriculture and forestry. It explores methods to evaluate post-release effects and the environmental impact of dispersal, displacement and establishment of invertebrate biological control agents. It covers methodology on screening for contaminants, the use of molecular methods for species identification and the determination of interbreeding. The book also discusses the use and application of information on zoogeographical zones, statistical methods and risk-benefit analysis. It gives practical advice on how to perform science-based risk assessments and on how to use new technology and information.

      • Trusted Partner
        October 2023

        Parasitoid Wasps of South East Asia

        by Buntika A Butcher, Donald Quicke

        Parasitoid wasps are cosmopolitan, numerous and enormously diverse with probably one million or more species worldwide, most of which occur in moist tropics. The ecological importance of this group of insects is enormous although perhaps most evident in their major roles in the control of insect pest populations. In natural ecosystems they are integral in regulating populations of a vast number of insects, and therefore are key players in terrestrial food webs. Knowledge of their biology is still very poor because the current state of taxonomy is still in its infancy in many parts of the world. In this book, we provide an overview of the more than 30 families of parasitoid wasps that are found in the 11 countries in South East Asia. Particular emphasis is given to the most commonly encountered and reared, and those used as natural enemies in biological control programmes. In addition, outlines of the biology, ecology and behaviour of each family and important subfamily are presented. The current state of taxonomy in the region is summarised using distribution maps. Other chapters cover basic morphology, terminology and identification, collecting and rearing in the tropics, food web construction, and the molecular revolution in identification of difficult taxonomic groups. All groups are photographically illustrated. This book will be of value to professional entomologists, academics, entomology students and the growing body of amateur entomologists and insect photographers.

      • Trusted Partner
        Insecticide & herbicide technology
        December 2001

        Biological Control Programmes in Canada, 1981-2000

        by Edited by Peter G Mason, J T Huber

        This book follows on from a previous volume 'Biological Control Programmes against Insects and Weeds in Canada, 1969-1980' published in 1984. It includes chapters written by well known scientists involved in work on biological control between 1981 and 2000. The work reported provides models that will be applicable in many other countries.

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        March 2022

        Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests

        by Takumasa Kondo, Gillian Watson

        Scale insects feed on plant juices and can easily be transported to new countries on live plants. They sometimes become invasive pests, costing billions of dollars in damage to crops worldwide annually, and farmers try to control them with toxic pesticides, risking environmental damage. Fortunately, scale insects are highly susceptible to control by natural enemies so biological control is possible. They have unique genetic systems, unusual metamorphosis, a broad spectrum of essential symbionts, and some are sources of commercial products like red dyes, shellac and wax. There is, therefore, wide interest in these unusual, destructive, beneficial, and abundant insects. The Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests is the most comprehensive work on worldwide scale insect pests, providing detailed coverage of the most important species (230 species in 26 families, 36% of the species known). Advice is provided on collection, preservation, slide-mounting, vouchering, and labelling of specimens, fully illustrated with colour photographs, diagrams and drawings. Pest species are presented in two informal groups of families, the 'primitive' Archaeococcids followed by the more 'advanced' Neococcids, covered in phylogenetic order. Each family is illustrated and diagnosed based on features of live and slide-mounted specimens, with information on numbers of genera and species, main hosts, distribution, and biology. For the important pest species, coverage includes information on the morphology of live and slide-mounted specimens, common names, principal synonyms, geographical distribution, plant hosts, plant damage and economic impact, reproductive biology, dispersal, and management strategies including biological, cultural and chemical control, sterile insect techniques, regulatory control, early warning systems and field monitoring. An additional complete list of scale insect pests worldwide is provided, comprising 642 species in 28 scale insect families (about 8% of the 8396 species of living scales known), with information on plant hosts, geographical distribution and validation sources. Beneficial uses of scale insects as sources of red dyes, natural resins and waxes, as agents for invasive weed control. The importance of their honeydew to bees for making honey, and as a food source to other animals, are included. Academic researchers, students, entomologists, pest management officials in agribusiness or government including plant quarantine identifiers, extensionists, farmers, field scientists and ecologists will all benefit from this book.

      • Trusted Partner
        Educational: Sciences, general science
        July 2018

        Biological Restaurants

        Strange Customers and Unexpected Food

        by Shi Jun

        A biological restaurant is situated deep in the forest. The proprietress is a pretty and vivacious girl who is in charge of eating for living, the important event in the world. She employs numerous cooks, waiters and waitress to serve her customers — earthworms, elephants, butterflies, ant lions, parrots, etc. Surprisingly, they have different food. Some take stones for food, some have night soil.

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        November 2023

        Parasites and Biological Invasions

        by Jamie Bojko, Alison M Dunn, April M H Blakeslee

        Biological invasions - the introduction, establishment and spread of invasive alien species - are complex global phenomena that can cause significant environmental, ecological, and economic harm. Along with the direct effects of an invasive host organism, there is the additional threat of co-introduced pathogenic and parasitic species. Co-introduced parasites can affect the success of the invasive organism but can also go on to infect hosts in the new range, resulting in novel ecological interactions and complex impacts. These 'Invasive Parasites' can have profound impacts on the success of a biological invasion, and can pose a significant risk to wildlife, in addition to organisms cultured for agriculture and aquaculture. Compiling information on parasite invasions for the first time, this unique book: - provides an in-depth resource on parasite invasions, revealing the subtleties underlying biological invasions and co-introduced disease; - examines the phenomenon and consequences of parasite release in invaded host communities; - explores parasite invasion impacts, interactions and diagnostic techniques; - includes case studies across a broad range of hosts (plants, vertebrates and invertebrates) and parasites (viruses to large Metazoa), from a plethora of aquatic and terrestrial environments. Authored by leading researchers in the discipline, this new book is a useful tool for helping invasion researchers incorporate disease data into their invasion models, as well a vital resource for researchers, policy makers, and environmental managers that are more generally interested in the myriad consequences of species invasions

      • Trusted Partner
        Agriculture & related industries
        March 2001

        Biology of Wetas, King Crickets and their Allies

        by Edited by Laurence H Field

        Wetas are native to New Zealand and in evolutionary terms are insect ‘dinosaurs’ within the Orthoptera. Related species occur in South Africa, Australia, North America and to a lesser extent, Europe. This book brings together all known information on these fascinating groups to form a compendium of existing scientific knowledge for future biological investigation and conservation.All the biological knowledge pertinent to this family under one coverA compendium of scientific knowledge on these ancient insects

      • Trusted Partner
        Pest control
        October 2013

        Biological Control Programmes in Canada 2001-2012

        by Edited by Peter G Mason, David R Gillespie.

        Canada is a world leader in biological control research. Reporting the status of biocontrol agents released in Canada over the last decade, this book presents case studies by target pest that evaluate the impact of biocontrol and recommend future priorities. In addition to a new chapter on future targets and an appendix listing established agents, this edition contains information of interest to a global audience, and chapters that address effects of invasive species and climate change.

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