This comprehensive handbook on economic entomology for Australian field crops and pastures is the first of its kind. It encompasses pests and beneficial insects as well as allied forms of importance in Australian agriculture. Organised by commodities – such as cereals, sugar and tropical pasture legumes – it examines all the pest species for a particular commodity across Australia. Identification, distribution, damage, host range, biology, risk period and monitoring techniques are described for each entry, accompanied by useful illustrations. The book also describes introduced biological control agents that effectively control crop pests. Pests of Field Crops and Pastures will be a useful tool in crop management for progressive farmers, agronomists, agricultural consultants and academics alike.

Here, for the first time is a comprehensive handbook on economic entomolgy for field crops and pastures. It is organised by commodities such as cereals, sugar and tropical pasture legumes allowing all the arthropods on a particular commodity to be examined.

Integrated Pest Management for Crops and Pastures describes in straightforward language what is required for farmers to successfully implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in cropping and grazing operations. It explains the differences between conventional pesticide-based controls and IPM, and demonstrates the advantages of IPM. Effective control of pests depends on a number of approaches, not just chemical or genetic engineering. The opening chapters cover the different approaches to pest management, and the importance of identification and monitoring of pests and beneficials. Most farmers and advisors can identify major pests but would struggle to recognise a range of beneficial species. Without this information it is impossible to make appropriate decisions on which control methods to use, especially where pests are resistant to insecticides. The book goes on to deal with the control methods: biological, cultural and chemical. The biological control agents discussed include both native and introduced species that attack pests. Cultural changes that have led to an increase in the incidence or severity of pest attack are also examined. The chapter on chemical control describes the different ways chemicals can affect beneficial species, also detailing acute, sub-lethal and transient toxicities of pesticides, drawing on examples from horticulture where necessary. Finally, the authors bring all the components of integrated pest management together and show farmers how to put their IPM plan into action.

Identifying and naming Brachiaria species. Morphology, taxonomy, and natural distribution of Brachiaria (Trin.) Griseb. Natural variation in Brachiaria and existing germplasm collections. The agronomy and physiology of Brachiaria species. National requirementes of Brachiaria and adaptation to acid soils. Nutrient cycling and environmental impact of Brachiaria Pastures. Pests and diseases of Brachiaria species. Nutritional quality and animal production of Brachiaria pastures. Reproductive physiology, seed production, and seed quality of Brachiaria. Seed production: perspective from the Brazilian private sector. Genetic, cytogenetics, and reproductive biology of Brachiaria. Manipulation of apomixis in Brachiaria breeding. Theoretical potential of biotechniques in crop improvement. Aplication of biothecnology to Brachiaria. Regional experience with Brachiaria: Tropical America-humid lowlands. Regional experience with Brachiaria: Tropical America-savannas. Regional experience with Brachiaria: Sub-savannas Africa. Regional experience with Brachiaria: Asia, the South Pacific, and Australia. Reports of working groups.

This authoritative multi-author reference covers the pests of all major vegetable crops grown outdoors in temperate latitudes. Details are given on the geographical distribution, description, life-cycle, damage and control of each pest. Emphasis is given to non-chemical methods of pest management.

Mollusc species currently constitute a major threat to sustainable agriculture. This threat is associated with cultivation of new crops, intensification of agricultural production systems and the spread through human trade and travel of species adapted to these modified environments. In some crops their significance is only now becoming apparent with the decline in the importance of other pest groups which can be effectively controlled. The book focuses on: toxicology of chemicals; deployment of molluscicides in baits; specific crop situations worldwide; current pest status of mollusc species and progress towards development of solutions.

Weed Management Handbook updates the 8th edition of Weed Control Handbook (1990). The change in the title and contents of the book from previous editions reflects both the current emphasis on producing crops in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner, and the new weed management challenges presenting themselves. This landmark publication contains cutting edge chapters, each written by acknowledged experts in their fields and carefully drawn together and edited by Professor Robert Naylor, known and respected world-wide for his knowledge of the area. The sequence of chapters included reflects a progression from the biology of weeds, through the underpinning science and technology relating to weed management techniques including herbicides and their application to crops, leading to principles of weed management techniques. Finally a set of relevant case studies describes the main management options available and addresses the challenges of reduced chemical options in many crops. Weed Management Handbook is a vital tool for all those involved in the crop protection / agrochemical industry, including business managers, horticultural and agricultural scientists, plant physiologists, botanists and those studying and teaching BASIS courses. As an important reference guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying horticultural and agricultural sciences, plant physiology, botany and crop protection, copies of the book should be available on the shelves of all research establishments and universities where these subjects are studied and taught. Weed Management Handbook is published for the British Crop Protection Council (BCPC) by Blackwell Publishing.

Horse Pasture Management begins with coverage of the structure, function and nutritional value of plants, continuing into identification of pasture plants. Management of soil and plants in a pasture is covered next, followed by horse grazing behavior, feed choices of horses, management of grazing horses, and how to calculate how many horses should be grazing relative to land size. Management of hay and silage are included, since year-round grazing is not possible on many horse farms. A number of chapters deal with interactions of a horse farm with the environment and other living things. As an aid in good pasture management, one chapter explains construction and use of fencing and watering systems. Contributions are rounded out with a chapter explaining how the University of Kentucky helps horse farm managers develop their pasture management programs. - The purpose of the book is to help people provide a better life for horses - Provides the basic principles of pasture management for those involved in equine-related fields and study - Covers a variety of strategies for managing the behavior, grouping, environmental, and feeding needs of grazing horses to ensure high levels of welfare and health - Includes information on environmental best practices, plant and soil assessment, and wildlife concerns - Explains pasture-related diseases and toxic plants to be avoided - Includes links to useful resources and existing extension programs

Controlling Invertebrate Pests in Agriculture discusses the principles of pest management and relates this to historical methods as well as current and future directions. It describes current practice, the concept of agricultural ecosystems, the role of pesticides and cultural control options. A separate chapter covers biological control and the different ways in which this may be implemented. The book provides a detailed examination of the application of pesticides, the different types that are available and how they may be integrated into more holistic approaches. A summary of all available pest control measures is given to allow the reader to decide which approach is best to adopt. The authors clearly describe why the most ecologically sound methods are not always adopted, but also explain why they can be adopted with great success. Examples of successful implementation of Integrated Pest Management are highlighted, together with a discussion on what is required in the future to achieve successful control of pests in a sustainable manner.