Pathogens, Vectors, and Plant Diseases

Pathogens, Vectors, and Plant Diseases: Approaches to Control is a collection of papers that discusses how vector host interactions, vector ecology, and disease epidemiology can be applied to disease prevention and control. The book deals with innovative strategies pertaining to control of vector-borne viruses and viral infections in plants. One paper discusses nonpesticidal control of vector-borne viruses including soil solarization that uses solar energy for crop protection, and insect sterilization through radiation, chemosterilants or genetic modifications. Another paper discusses chemicals that interfere with nucleic acid and protein synthesis; as these interactions pose no hazards to animal (mammals), the chemicals are suitable for controlling viral diseases. One author examines the use of oil sprays and reflective surfaces as a means of controlling plant viruses transmitted by insects. In the United States, the entry of vector-borne plant pathogens is controlled by plant quarantine. One author lists several ways in effective quarantine procedures, as well as, the safe importation of potential vectors as cultures. This book is suitable for environmentalists, biologists, conservationists, agriculturists, botanists, and researchers in botany and plant genealogy.