Edited by Kerry O. Britton
"This book should be required reading for all in the horticultural industry, whether in the laboratory or in the greenhouse, or selling produce; and especially for politicians and government regulators...a powerful wake-up call for all who value their natural environment and recognize the vital place of agriculture and forestry in the world economy." -- Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses
“…well written and will
prove to be a suitable introduction to the issues involved in biological
pollution. The work is a valuable addition to any library that is devoted to
natural resources and agriculture.”
-- Journal of
Agricultural & Food Information
SCROLL DOWN TO ORDER
Environmentalists often voice concern about threats like acid rain, carbon dioxide buildup in the atmosphere, water contamination, and declining biodiversity. Recently, many have come to recognize another equally serious threat called biological pollution.
Biological pollution is the movement of living organisms, either accidentally or intentionally, from the places where they evolved to new environments where a lack of natural enemies permits their population to explode. These organisms, sometimes called invasive exotic pests, threaten our crops, our forests, and perhaps even our very existence. Biological pollutants, like chemical pollutants, are here because of human activities. But unlike chemical pollutants, biological pollutants cannot be reduced or prevented by legislation. Once biological pollutants are imported, they grow, adapt, multiply and spread on their own unless direct, vigorous, and often costly actions are taken to stop them.
This important book presents a broad spectrum of concerns in nontechnical language to conservation-minded people. The first three chapters provide general background on biological pollution, including insight into the enormity of the problem and the direct and indirect costs to date. The next section provides specific examples of exotic weeds, diseases, nematodes, and insects and the damage they cause. The last section examines the defenses in place and proposed improvements to resisting biotic invasion.
Biological Pollution: An Emerging Global Menace is required reading for environmentalists, plant pathologists, horticulturists, weed scientists, nematologists, entomologists, foresters, agronomists and all others dedicated to protecting the environment. Anyone interested in natural resources and agriculture will gain valuable knowledge from this eye-opening publication.
Contents
Preface; What Is the Problem?: Controlling Biological Pollution; An Ecological Explosion in Slow Motion; Exotic Pests; Weeds, Diseases, and Other Pests: Exotic Weeds: Expensive and Out of Control; Plant Disease On The Move!; Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Which Are Exotic Pests in Agriculture and Forestry; What Is to be Done?: Meeting the Threat: Risk Assessment and Quarantine; Assessing Exotic Threats to Forest Resources; Political and Economic Barriers to Scientifically-Based Decisions; Fighting Back
2004; 6” × 9” softcover, 124 pages; 22 black and white illustrations; ISBN 0-89054-313-5; (1 pound); Item No. 43135
Reviews
"I strongly recommend this book to all persons concerned with agricultural, forestry and environmental topics."
-- Journal of Plant Protection Research
"…handy format, simple graphics and the presentation of short easy-to-read articles by different authors facilitate and increase the understanding of the problem described in the book, which is directed to those interested in conservation of nature and in sustainable agriculture. All in all a book worth reading!"
-- Journal of Phytopathology
"...very readable, well referenced and has interesting historical anecdotes."
-- APPS Newsletter
"...the authors present an alarming picture in a clear and accessible style…it should be widely read."
-- New Agriculturist
"Highly recommended, especially for environmental studies and ecology shelves."
-- Midwest Book Review
