Heliothis: Research Methods and Prospects

Heliothis ("Bull worm") species are one of the major pests of field crops worldwide, including sorghum, tomatoes, lettuce, and cotton. Pest problems have intensified over the years as the total area given to agricultural host plants has increased. This comprehensive text, written by experienced researchers, assembles biological and ecological research techniques and approaches to Heliothis management: from the fundamental question of defining genetic species to collecting, rearing, and sampling techniques for the construction of life tables; the measurement of predator impact and physiological development; the detection and measurement of behavior, migration, and diapause; population genetics and resistance. Approaches to modelling population dynamics are also explored. This book is intended for beginning research students as well as experienced workers. It will be a valuable reference for entomologists, population ecologists, and agronomists concerned with crop protection.

Contenu
Content.- 1. The Recognition of Cryptic Species Among Economically Important Insects.- 2. Collecting Immature and Adult Heliothis for Distribution, Host, and Parasite Records.- 3. Laboratory Culture of Heliothis Species and Identification of Disease.- 4. Trapping Methods for Adults.- 5. Estimating the Abundance of Adults and Immatures.- 6. Life Tables.- 7. Evaluating Natural Enemy Impact on Heliothis.- 8. Measuring Development of Heliothis Species.- 9. Methods for Studying Diapause.- 10. Methods for Studying Adult Movement in Heliothis.- 11. Methods for Studying Behavior.- 12. Measuring Insecticide Resistance.- 13. Methods for Studying the Genetics of Populations of Heliothis.- 14. Modelling.- References.