The new 5th edition of BCPC’s Manual of Biocontrol Agents – a toolbox for biocontrol and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – was launched as an online resource at the Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM), in Basel, Switzerland in October.

“In my lifetime the world population has doubled and it is forecast to double again by 2050,” explains editor, Dr Roma Gwynn. “Alongside many other issues, this increase puts tremendous pressure on farmable land, requiring a doubling in output per unit area. If we are to conserve biological resources and ensure food security in a sustainable way, we need to use the best crop protection technology and methods available. Integrated Pest Management – including the use of biological control agents such as macro-organisms, micro-organisms, botanicals and semiochemicals – will play an important part, and it is encouraging that demand for and availability of these technologies is increasing rapidly.”

The Manual of Biocontrol Agents can support best this progress, having been substantially revised to reflect the growth and maturity of the global biocontrol industry. All the active substances and products that are included are commercially available. And being an online resource it can be updated quickly and regularly ensuring accurate and comprehensive information is available on more than 300 active substances including: 100+ macro-organisms, 120+ micro-organisms, 40+ botanicals and 50+semiochemicals. The data provided for each active substance includes information on: the products, biological activity, toxicology, resistance codes, nomenclature, targets and companies.

Compiled by experts in the biocontrol industry the Manual of Biocontrol Agents is an invaluable resource whether you are a grower, researcher or regulator. And for those who still love paper – a book will be available early in 2014.

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