Biological control of social forest and plantation crops insects

Parasite and predator complexes comprise essential components in the management of Forest Ecosystems serving to reduce insect pest depredations. To sustain natural growth of social forestry stands, nurseries and plantation crops such as Teak, Tea, Cardamom, effective steps taken to control insect pests through the utilization of natural enemies as a component of IPM will yield positive results. Being the first of its kind in the area of biological control in relation to insect pests of social forestry, this book besides laying special emphasis on the biology and ecology of major biocontrol agents, also highlights several potential biological control agents like the reduviids, ants and spiders. The extent of control these agents can exercise on their pest populations as well as the rate at which they can build-up their populations are evident from bioenergetics and life-table studies. This volume which is the outcome of a National Seminar held at the Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Madras provides a wealth of information of considerable significance to Forestry research and management.