Category: Home

Modern irrigation techniques and technologies: Efficient Utilisation of Scarce Water Resources

Water scarcity is the major challenge being faced around the globe, chiefly pronounced in the developing countries. The existing utilizable water resources are not enough to irrigate the entire cultivable area of the world. The aggravated decreasing trend of per capita water availability resulting from rapidly escalating population therefore requires judicious use of available water resources than ever before. This can be achieved through controlling conveyance losses in distribution network and increasing application efficiency of irrigation water. For this purpose, an On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) package employing modern irrigation systems augmented with improvement of watercourses, laser land levelling and resource conservation technologies is imperative. Present toil was aimed at presenting in-depth discussion on aforesaid components of OFWM package. This book is useful for a broad range of users; from field engineers and extension specialists to water managers at the farm, district, and higher levels for enhancing the water productivity of irrigation projects as well as for a variety of objectives and applications.

Read More →

Control of Pests and Weeds by Natural Enemies: An Introduction to Biological Control

Biological control – utilizing a population of natural enemies to seasonally or permanently suppress pests – is not a new concept. The cottony cushion scale, which nearly destroyed the citrus industry of California, was controlled by an introduced predatory insect in the 1880s. Accelerated invasions by insects and spread of weedy non-native plants in the last century have increased the need for the use of biological control. Use of carefully chosen natural enemies has become a major tool for the protection of natural ecosystems, biodiversity and agricultural and urban environments.

This book offers a multifaceted yet integrated discussion on two major applications of biological control: permanent control of invasive insects and plants at the landscape level and temporary suppression of both native and exotic pests in farms, tree plantations, and greenhouses. Written by leading international experts in the field, the text discusses control of invasive species and the role of natural enemies in pest management.

This book is essential reading for courses on Invasive Species, Pest Management, and Crop Protection. It is an invaluable reference book for biocontrol professionals, restorationists, agriculturalists, and wildlife biologists.

Further information and resources can be found on the Editor’s own website at: www.invasiveforestinsectandweedbiocontrol.info/index.htm

Read More →