Theoretical Approaches to Biological Control

Download or read book Theoretical Approaches to Biological Control written by Bradford A. Hawkins and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2008-10-14 with total page 428 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biological control is the suppression of pest populations using predators, parasitoids and pathogens. Historically, biological control has largely been on a trial-and-error basis, and has failed more often than it has succeeded. However by developing theories based upon 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 book gathers together recent theoretical developments and provides a balanced guide to the important issues that need to be considered in applying ecological theory to biological control. It will be a source of productive and stimulating thought for all those interested in pest management, theoretical ecology and population biology.