Biological Control of Weeds: A World Catalogue of Agents and Their Target Weeds [Paperback]

M. H. Julien (Author), M. W. Griffiths (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 085199234X | ISBN-13: 978-0851992341 | Publication Date: February 18, 1999 | Edition: 4

Biological control offers an ecologically sound and cost-effective method for eliminating weeds. Its use is rapidly expanding, both its range of use and the number of agents being development and released. The fourth edition of this catalogue provides a comprehensive reference source to all attempts at biological control of weeds undertaken through the end of 1996. The information is presented in four detailed lists:
List A covers exotic vertebrates and fungi that have been released for biological control, and their target weeds.
List B includes exotic invertebrates, essentially fish species, utilized to control weeds.
List C covers organisms that have been deliberately manipulated for weed control within their natural ranges.
List D covers organisms that have been released as biological control agents and now occur in countries other than those into which they were released.
Each entry details the target weed, control agent, year of first release, country of origin of agent, status and degree of control, research organization involved, and key references. The book provides an invaluable means of keeping track of trends and developments throughout the world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The fourth edition of this catalog summarizes global attempts at biological control of weeds involving over 900 releases of exotic agents through 1996. There is virtually no text, as the pertinent information is presented in four lists. List A covers releases of exotic invertebrates and fungi, with their target weeds, whereas List B deals with exotic vertebrates (i.e., fish) that have been utilized in weed control. List C summarizes the use of agents in their native ranges, and List D treats those agents found in exotic ranges where they were not deliberately released. . . . Overall, the editors have done an excellent job of updating the empirical record in the biological control of weeds. Like the previous editions, this is a must for everyone interested in the biological control of weeds. It should also be of value to those in the emerging discipline of invasion biology."--The Quarterly Review of Biology

"The term 'noxious weed' is one that is getting frequent use among land managers and others interested in natural resource issues. Because these plants, usually introduced from another part of the world, can displace native species and spread widely, significant resources are spent on their control. Unfortunately, the primary control method in most areas is herbicides. One alternative management technique that deserves more support is biological control; the importation and distribution of insects, fungi, and fish that feed on noxious weeds. . . . Biological Control of Weeds is a unique catalog of this kind of information. The book consists of tables summarizing all known releases of biological control agents made prior to 1996. . . . References are given for the information about each release. The book includes information about more than 350 species of biological control agents targeting 133 species of weeds."--Journal of Pesticide Reform

"This edition makes use of a new table format which makes it much easier to use to its fullest potential." -- Aquaphyte, Winter 2000

About the Author

M. W. Griffiths, both at CSIRO Entomology, Long Pocket Laboratories.

Product Details

• Paperback: 223 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 4 edition (February 18, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 085199234X
• ISBN-13: 978-0851992341
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,572,474 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)