The use of insect pheromones in pest management is a rapidly growing field of research and practice in the agricultural and urban environments. An understanding of this area requires knowledge of both chemistry and biology to a depth, which can cause frustration in even the most experienced researchers. Insect Pheromones and their Use in Pest Management overcomes such difficulties by providing a rounded perspective, assuming only a minimum of prior knowledge of the disciplines involved. This book is aimed primarily at students of pest management who have reached the upper level of their undergraduate studies or are embarking on a Master's level course or a research programme. The book has been purposefully organised into three parts, each written by a different author who brings his own focus and perspective to this interdisciplinary field. Insect Pheromones and their Use in Pest Management offers the reader a well-rounded introduction to this branch of chemical ecology. A comprehensive reference list gives students a sound point-of-entry to the literature and all topics covered are thoroughly illustrated.
My interest in insects began at an early age, when my mother called me to look at a tortoiseshell butterfly that she had caught in a jam-jar. I was awe-struck. Later when I came to do a PhD in London I was disappointed that the only subject on offer was termites, which were not nearly as beautiful as butterflies. My disappointment soon evaporated when I started to study their behaviour and the fascinating nests of the tropical species. This led to my first book: Termites, a Study in Social Behaviour.
I was a lecturer at Southampton University (UK) for 30 years, during which time I focussed on the chemical ecology of termites, leaf-cutting ants, and other pests of agriculture and horticulture, searching for environmentally friendly ways of controlling these pests. This led to the publication of "Insect Pheromones and their Use in Pest Management" written with Iain Stevens and Owen Jones. I then developed some new technology for controlling insects by mating confusion. This was patented and led to the formation of a spin-off company, Exosect Ltd. I took early retirement and worked as the first Technical Director for several years, during which the technology won a number of awards. This year (2011) Exosect was one of only 3 agricultural companies listed in the Global CleanTech 100 competition, for which there were over 4000 entries.
After retirement to rural Dorset I returned to my childhood passion and wrote "Butterflies, Messages from Psyche" (the N. American edition, published by Firefly, has the sub-title "Decoding their Signs & Symbols", but is the same book).I am overwhelmed by the plaudits for this book. One old lady who has little money wrote thanking me "from the bottom of my heart for writing such a wonderful book" She bought three copies. Although I have had some wonderful press reviews, this letter is perhaps the best review I could have hoped for.
