Entomopathogenic bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis and B. sphaericus) are
increasingly used as biopesticides to control larval insect populations which
are either agricultural or forestry pests and to reduce those which as adults
are vectors of severe human diseases. This new book, the first since 1993 to
address all aspects of entomopathogenic bacteria, provides undergraduate and
graduate students as well as research scientists with a complete, modern view
of this important group of bacteria. The authors, chosen for their sustained
contributions to the field, cover both fundamental and applied research in this
area. The main topics include bacterial ecology and taxonomy, toxin diversity,
activity and mode of action, regulation and environment of the genes, safety
and ecotoxicology, production and field application of the bacteria, and
outbreaks of resistant populations. The book concludes with the most recent
data obtained on transgenic biotechnology and addresses environmental impact
issues.
