Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States

Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States

Author: Eric M. Coombs

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 484

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Undesirable invasive plants are infesting public and private lands in this country at an alarming rate. These nonnative species destroy native habitats, threaten endangered plants and animals, interfere with recreation and transportation, and cause economic losses as land values and productivity decline. Various methods are used to suppress invasive plants, from herbicides to burning to cultivation. Classic biological control--in which selected host-specific, plant-attacking insects, mites, nematodes, and pathogens are introduced from the invasive plant's native lands--provides an additional tool for land managers to reduce invasive plant populations. In this volume, leading experts review the discipline of biological control of invasive terrestrial and aquatic plants. Topics addressed include the ecology and economics of biological control, monitoring, non-target impacts, a Code of Best Practices, and the processes of identifying, introducing, distributing, and maintaining biological control agents. In addition to chapters on the theory and practice of biological control, this book provides information about 39 target plants in the continental United States and 94 agents, including their origin, biology, habitat, impacts, and distribution. More than 300 color photographs help identify the plants and agents. The book concludes with information about invasive plants that are targeted for biological control in the future. An invaluable reference for land managers, natural resource and weed control specialists, and students of natural resource management, Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States provides practical, science-based information needed for understanding andusing biological control as part of an integrated invasive-plant management strategy.


Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States

Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States

Author: Therese M. Poland

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-02-01

Total Pages: 455

ISBN-13: 3030453677

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This open access book describes the serious threat of invasive species to native ecosystems. Invasive species have caused and will continue to cause enormous ecological and economic damage with ever increasing world trade. This multi-disciplinary book, written by over 100 national experts, presents the latest research on a wide range of natural science and social science fields that explore the ecology, impacts, and practical tools for management of invasive species. It covers species of all taxonomic groups from insects and pathogens, to plants, vertebrates, and aquatic organisms that impact a diversity of habitats in forests, rangelands and grasslands of the United States. It is well-illustrated, provides summaries of the most important invasive species and issues impacting all regions of the country, and includes a comprehensive primary reference list for each topic. This scientific synthesis provides the cultural, economic, scientific and social context for addressing environmental challenges posed by invasive species and will be a valuable resource for scholars, policy makers, natural resource managers and practitioners.


World Weeds

World Weeds

Author: LeRoy Holm

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 1997-03-05

Total Pages: 1158

ISBN-13: 9780471047018

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Responsible for a high proportion of the world's crop losses, weedstake away food that the world badly needs. They decrease thequality and quantity of vegetable fibers, wool, and hides, andinterfere with fishing, irrigation, hydroelectric power production,and the movement of shipping vessels. In order to recognize thetrue magnitude of the weed problem, and to be better equipped todesign effective weed control methods, it is vital to identify andlearn as much as possible about the many different species of thisdestructive agricultural predator. The culmination of four decades of global research, World Weedspresents comprehensive and up-to-date information on over 100weeds--addressing recent changes in such areas as crop tillagemethods, herbicide use, and agricultural runoff. This monumentalwork, featuring a wealth of original data from the authors,provides extensive coverage of the known biology of each species.Each entry contains a full botanical description, plus importantdetails on habitat requirements and distribution, seed production,ecology, physiology, crop impact, and more. Generously suppliedwith dozens of unique illustrations and species distribution mapscovering over 100 countries, this definitive resource boasts anextensive multilingual index of common names, and a massivebibliography with over 3,000 references to facilitate furtherreading and research. World Weeds is a truly masterful referencethat will be celebrated by weed and crop scientists, botanists, andothers for years to come.


A Way to Garden

A Way to Garden

Author: Margaret Roach

Publisher: Timber Press

Published: 2019-04-30

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 1604698772

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

“A Way to Garden prods us toward that ineffable place where we feel we belong; it’s a guide to living both in and out of the garden.” —The New York Times Book Review For Margaret Roach, gardening is more than a hobby, it’s a calling. Her unique approach, which she calls “horticultural how-to and woo-woo,” is a blend of vital information you need to memorize and intuitive steps you must simply feel and surrender to. In A Way to Garden, Roach imparts decades of garden wisdom on seasonal gardening, ornamental plants, vegetable gardening, design, gardening for wildlife, organic practices, and much more. She also challenges gardeners to think beyond their garden borders and to consider the ways gardening can enrich the world. Brimming with beautiful photographs of Roach’s own garden, A Way to Garden is practical, inspiring, and a must-have for every passionate gardener.


Suppressing Over-Abundant Invasive Plants and Insects in Natural Areas by Use of Their Specialized Natural Enemies

Suppressing Over-Abundant Invasive Plants and Insects in Natural Areas by Use of Their Specialized Natural Enemies

Author: Roy Van Driesche

Publisher: Forest Service

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 100

ISBN-13: 9780160939211

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Biological control has long been used against invasive plants and, less often, invasive insects, in forests, aquatic systems, grasslands, coastal areas, riparian areas, islands, and other biomes or habitats of conservation concern. Historically, motivation for such efforts has shifted gradually away from economic interests toward ecological protection for its own sake. Future projects of this type will require better integration of biological control into conservation practice, a better understanding by societies of the reasons for such work and its possible risks and benefits, as well as continued, consistent public funding. Examples of successful projects in high-value conservation areas (Everglades, Gal�pagos, oceanic islands, wetlands, forests) are discussed, and future challenges and caveats mentioned. Environmentalists, nature conservationists, scientists, forestry personnel, USDA employees, and others interested in biological control would be interested in this publication. Additionally, students pursuing coursework, and research for Natural Resource Management degree programs may be interested in this work. Related products: Plants resources collection can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/plants Major Forest Insect and Disease Conditions in the United States: 2013 is available here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/major-forest-insect-and-disease-conditions-united-states-2013 Forest Health Monitoring: National Status, Trends, and Analysis 2015 can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/forest-health-monitoring-national-status-trends-and-analysis-2015 Other products produced by the United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service are available here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/agency/us-forest-service