17 distinguished entomologists and insect ecologists dicuss contemporary ecological and evolutionary issues relative to plant-feeding insects in the area of host finding and quality, host plant resistance, community structure and behavior, ecology of mutualistic and disease agents, and evolution.

"Half of all insect species are dependent on living plant tissues, consuming about 10% of plant annual production in natural habitats and an even greater percentage in agricultural systems, despite sophisticated control measures. Plants are generally remarkably well-protected against insect attack, with the result that most insects are highly specialized feeders. The mechanisms underlying plant resistance to invading herbivores on the one side, and insect food specialization on the other, are the main subjects of this book. For insects these include food-plant selection and the complex sensory processes involved, with their implications for learning and nutritional physiology, as well as the endocrinological aspects of life cycle synchronization with host plant phenology. In the case of plants exposed to insect herbivores, they include the activation of defence systems in order to minimize damage, as well as the emission of chemical signals that may attract natural enemies of the invading herbivores and may be exploited by neighbouring plants that mount defences as well." "Insect-Plant Biology discusses the operation of these mechanisms at the molecular and organismal levels, in the context of both ecological interactions and evolutionary relationships. In doing so, it uncovers the highly intricate antagonistic and mutualistic interactions that have evolved between plants and insects. The book concludes with a chapter on the application of our knowledge of insect-plant interactions to agricultural production." "This multidisciplinary approach will appeal to students in agricultural entomology, plant sciences, ecology, and indeed anyone interested in the principles underlying the relationships between the two largest groups of organisms on earth: plants and insects."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

In 1984, a new research working party on mechanismsofwoody plant resistance against insects and pathogens(lUFROS2. 05-06) was formed in the International Union ofForestryResearchOrganizations. Thepurposeofthisworkingparty istostimulate and facilitate research progress in this areathroughenhancedcommunication among themany researchscientistsscatteredamongthevariouscountriesoftheworld. This volume istheresultofthe first internationalsymposiumofthisworkingparty, which took place in Orleans. France on August 26-29, 1986. Thanks are due to Institute Nationalde laRechercheAgronomique, StationdeZoologie, Forestiere, fortheir in- strumental part in organizingthis symposium, and to the University and the Cityof Orleansforgenerousfinancial support. The intentofthis proceedings is to (a) bring together adiverse array ofresearch resultsonthemechanismsofwoodyplantresistanceagainstdifferentkindsofinsects. and(b) to search for threadsofcommonality among these different plant/insect as- sociationstofurtherourfundamental understandingofhowplantsdefendthemselves againstphytophagousorganisms. Theresearchpapersareorganizedintothreemaingroups. Thefirstgroupexamines plant defenses from various basic physiological and ecological considerations. The remaining papers, which are mainly case studiesofplant resistance against insects. arecategorizedon the basisofinsect intimacy with host tissues: (a) highly mobile. free feeders suchas moth larvae andsawflies, and (b)poorlymobile, "attached" or imbeddedfeederssuchasaphids, scales, miners, andbarkbeetles. Eachofthesesections isfurtherorganizedonthebasisofkindoftissueattackedbytheinsects, eitherleaves orstern/shootcortexand vasculartissues. Contents Preface v Contributors IX I. Basic Physiological and Ecological Considerations I. DefensiveStrategiesofWoody PlantsAgainst Different Insect-Feeding Guilds in Relation to Plant Ecological Strategiesand IntimacyofAssociation with Insects W. J. Mattson. R. K. Lawrence, R. A. Haack, D. A. Herms, and p. J. Charles 3 2. Towards a UnifiedTheoryofPlant Defense A. A. Berryman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3lJ 3. DefensiveResponsesofTrees inRelationtoTheirCarbon/NutrientBalance J. Tuomi, P. Niemela, F. S. Chapin,1II, J. P. Bryant, andS. Siren 57 4. GrowthandDifferentiation-BalanceRelationshipsinPinesAffectTheirRe- sistance to Bark Beetles(Coleoptera: Scolytidae) P. L. Lorio, Jr. 73 5. SeasonalVariations inEnergySourcesandBiosynthesisofTerpenes in Maritime Pine C. Bernard-Dagan 93 6. Terpene Biosynthesis Under PathologicalConditions C. Cheniclet, C. Bernard-Dagan, andG.

This open access book describes the serious threat of invasive species to native ecosystems. Invasive species have caused and will continue to cause enormous ecological and economic damage with ever increasing world trade. This multi-disciplinary book, written by over 100 national experts, presents the latest research on a wide range of natural science and social science fields that explore the ecology, impacts, and practical tools for management of invasive species. It covers species of all taxonomic groups from insects and pathogens, to plants, vertebrates, and aquatic organisms that impact a diversity of habitats in forests, rangelands and grasslands of the United States. It is well-illustrated, provides summaries of the most important invasive species and issues impacting all regions of the country, and includes a comprehensive primary reference list for each topic. This scientific synthesis provides the cultural, economic, scientific and social context for addressing environmental challenges posed by invasive species and will be a valuable resource for scholars, policy makers, natural resource managers and practitioners.

This volume investigates how large herbivores not only influence the structure and distribution of the vegetation, but also affect nutrient flows and the responses of associated fauna. The mechanisms and processes underlying the herbivores' behavior, distribution, movement and direct impact on the vegetation are discussed in detail. It is shown that an understanding of plant/animal interactions can inform the management of large herbivores to integrate production and conservation in terrestrial systems.

Forest canopies not only support high terrestrial biodiversity but also represent a critical interface between the atmosphere and the earth. They provide goods and services to support diverse human communities and offer opportunities to explore sustainable use of these resources for many generations of local livelihoods. Forest canopies are important carbon sequestration units, and in this sense, serve as climate control for the planet. Canopies are important energy production centers for the planet, and serve as the basis for many food chains. The canopy can also act as a hook for education outreach and conservation, inspiring ecotourism through recreation and other sustainable uses such as treetop walks, zip lines, and birding. Despite these critical services provided by forest canopies, almost no dedicated research in the treetops was initiated until as recently as the late 1970s when single rope techniques were developed by mountaineering professionals and adapted for use in the canopy. Subsequently, an array of canopy access tools was designed in the 1980s and early 1990s that have opened up this “eighth continent” for global exploration and discovery. This volume uses the major findings of the 5th international canopy conference as a platform for organization, but it does not mimic the sessions and presentations of the conference itself. Instead, it builds on the important themes that emerged from the conference and solicits articles that represent future priorities and advancements for canopy science in the next decade. Despite the global efforts of hundreds of forest scientists over the past 3 decades, forests are degrading at an accelerated rate and biodiversity is increasingly threatened by human activities. Given these trends - despite the very best efforts of the world’s best scientists - other approaches must be taken. This volume summarizes the issue of “treetops at risk” and assembles a global authorship to examine past accomplishments and future initiatives critical in forest conservation.

Trophic cascades—the top-down regulation of ecosystems by predators—are an essential aspect of ecosystem function and well-being. Trophic cascades are often drastically disrupted by human interventions—for example, when wolves and cougars are removed, allowing deer and beaver to become destructive—yet have only recently begun to be considered in the development of conservation and management strategies. Trophic Cascades is the first comprehensive presentation of the science on this subject. It brings together some of the world’s leading scientists and researchers to explain the importance of large animals in regulating ecosystems, and to relate that scientific knowledge to practical conservation. Chapters examine trophic cascades across the world’s major biomes, including intertidal habitats, coastal oceans, lakes, nearshore ecosystems, open oceans, tropical forests, boreal and temperate ecosystems, low arctic scrubland, savannas, and islands. Additional chapters consider aboveground/belowground linkages, predation and ecosystem processes, consumer control by megafauna and fire, and alternative states in ecosystems. An introductory chapter offers a concise overview of trophic cascades, while concluding chapters consider theoretical perspectives and comparative issues. Trophic Cascades provides a scientific basis and justification for the idea that large predators and top-down forcing must be considered in conservation strategies, alongside factors such as habitat preservation and invasive species. It is a groundbreaking work for scientists and managers involved with biodiversity conservation and protection.