Handbook of Small Grain Insects Available Now

PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 18, 2007 – The Entomological Society of America (ESA), in cooperation with the American Phytopathological Society (APS), announces the publication of Handbook of Small Grain Insects, the latest in ESA’s Insect Pest Handbooks series. This comprehensive color guide examines the biology and management of arthropod pests and beneficial species of small grain crops. 58 entomologists with expertise on specific pest groups have provided the most up-to-date information. The crops covered are wheat, barley, oats, rye, and triticale, with an emphasis on wheat.

The handbook contains 170 photos and illustrated keys that will help readers identify small grain pests and beneficial arthropods. It begins with introductory chapters discussing management tactics specifically related to small grain production. The insect and mite pests that attack small grains are organized in sections covering: scientific classifications, origin and distribution, description (aids in identification), pest status (relative importance of the pest), injury (aids in diagnosis), life history, management, and natural enemies of these insect pests. Authors are identified at the end of each section, and a list of references for additional information is provided for most sections.

The handbook also brings together an extensive amount of hard-to-find information on the biology and management of many minor pests of small grains. A chapter on key cereal grain pests found outside North America is included, as well as sections on parasitoids, predators and entomopathogens of small grain pests. An extensive glossary and index also are included.

Edited by G. David Buntin, Keith S. Pike, Michael J. Weiss, and James A. Webster, this handbook is designed for practitioners of integrated pest management (IPM) programs in small grains, growers, crop consultants, extension agents, agronomists, and agricultural sales representatives. Entomologists, entomology researchers and students will find this handbook indispensable. Horticulturists, plant pathologists, weed scientists, nematologists and scientists from related disciplines will also find the book to be a valuable reference.

This book may be purchased for $59.00 plus S&H (USD) from The American Phytopathological Society (ESA members are entitled to a 10% discount). To order, go to the APS PRESS online store at http://www.shopapspress.org/haofsmgrin.html or call toll-free 1.800.328.7560 USA/Canada or +1.651.454.7250 elsewhere.

Review copies of Handbook of Small Grain Insects are available. If you are interested in reviewing this book and can forward a copy of the published review within six months of receiving the book, please send your request with details of your publication to Richard Levine (rlevine@entsoc.org or 301-731-4535, ext. 3009).