Ecology of Invertebrate Diseases

This book is devoted to the ecology of invertebrate diseases caused by pathogens. It covers general principles, concepts and definitions, strategies and methods for research, factors that influence epizootics, major groups of pathogens causing disease in invertebrates, and practical aspects, such as enhancing disease in pest species and controlling diseases in beneficial invertebrates or in rearing invertebrates.

Arranged in four sections, this book begins with introductory material. It then discusses the basics of the ecology of invertebrate pathogens and the ecology of pathogen groups before concluding with information on practical aspects of the topic. Chapters include:

• General concepts in Ecology of Invertebrate Diseases
• Methods of Study
• The Pathogen Population
• Abiotic and Biotic environments
• Ecology of pathogen groups including Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Microsporidia and Nematodes
• Population Modelling
• Prevention and Management of Diseases in Terrestrial Invertebrates
• Ecology of Emerging Diseases

As well as providing state of the art ecological information, this book will allow biological control researchers and practitioners to leverage the ecological information provided to enhance sustainable pest management systems.