Organized into 15 chapters, the book covers methods for the study of virtually every major group of entomopathogen, as well as methods for discovery and diagnosis of entomopathogens and the use of complementary methods for microscopy. It discusses the use of molecular techniques for identifying and determining phylogeny, factors that contribute to resistance to entomopathogens, and several other aspects of the science of invertebrate pathology. It also explains initial handling and diagnosis of diseased invertebrates, basic techniques in insect virology, and bioassay of bacterial entomopathogens against insect larvae. In addition, the reader is introduced to the use of bacteria against soil-inhabiting insects and preservation of entomopathogenic fungal cultures. The remaining chapters focus on research methods for entomopathogenic microsporidia and other protists, how the pathogenicity and infectivity of entomopathogens to mammals are tested, and preparations of entomopathogens and diseased specimens for more detailed study using microscopy.
Experienced insect pathologists, biologists, entomologists, students, biotechnology personnel, technicians, those working in the biopesticide industry, and government regulators will find this manual extremely helpful.
- Step-by-step instructions for the latest techniques on how to isolate, identify, culture, bioassay and store the major groups of entomopathogens
- New edition fully updated to address changes in the taxonomy of the vast majority of taxa
- Discussion of safety testing of entomopathogens in mammals and also broader methods such as microscopy and molecular techniques
- Provides extensive supplemental literature and recipes for media, fixatives and stains