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Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 1/14/2009 Publication Date: 8/1/2009 Citation: Simmons, A.M. 2009. Classical Biological Control of Bemisia tabaci in the United States - A Review of Interagency Research and Implementation. [Book Review]. Eds. Gould, J., Hoelmer, K., Goolsby, J. Journal of Economic Entomology. 102:1724-1725. Interpretive Summary: N/A Technical Abstract: This book is the 4th volume in a series on Progress in Biological Control. It provides a comprehensive overview of a large interagency project on classical biological control against the B-biotype sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), in the United States. This book brings together an impressive collection of diverse information generated on the biological control of this invasive insect pest. It provides a wealth of information on collaborative integrated pest management (IPM) efforts against the targeted whitefly. An overview is provided, including background of the target pest, the development and implementation of a classical biological control strategy, and predictive long term outcomes on the sustainability of agriculture in the US and abroad. The interagency whitefly project illustrated the assembling of a massive concerted endeavor by federal, state, private and international entities to combat a highly polyphagous insect that quickly became problematic across the US. The content of the book focuses on parasitoids, but includes to a much lesser degree pathogens and predators. The book consists of 18 chapters (including an introduction) plus an epilogue and a summary, and follows a good logical organization. A total of 30 authors contributed to the contents of this book. The negatives are quite minor in contrast to the wealth of information that this book provides. As such, this book is an excellent reference source for the scientific community, action agencies and pest management practitioners. |
