From biological control to invasion: the Ladybird Harmonia Axyridis as a model species

Harmonia axyridis has been described as the ‘most invasive ladybird on Earth’. It has a long history of use as a classical biological control agent in the USA and more recently in Europe. This beetle has been effective at controllingpest insects in a variety of crop systems but it poses unacceptable risks by impacting on non-target species as both an intraguild predator and competitor.Written by renowned scientists, this book is a synthesis of recent research on H. axyridis and provides informative insights into current perspectives and future directions. Biological control is an essential component of sustainableagriculture but the distinction between a successful biological control agentand an invasive species can be narrow. We hope that lessons can be learnt from H. axyridis. Brings together the latest research on Harmonia axyridis distribution studies to detailed research on intra-guild interactions, possibilitiesfor control and phenotypic plasticity Set within the broader context of invasive biology - which is currently a subject of global concern

• ISBN: 978-1-4020-6938-3
• Editorial: Springer
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 290
• Fecha Publicación: 01/03/2008
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés