‘Plant pests and their control’—review

Press, 16 July 1982, Page 20

‘Plant pests and their control’ —review

Plant Pests and Their Control. P. G. Fenemore. Published by Butterworths, Wellington. Glossary, Index, 271 Pages. $26. Reviewed by S. L. Goldson. Some may not agree with Dr Peter Fenemore’s dramatic view that pest insects present us with a "formidable adversary” engaged in a “struggle for existence." Such an observation does,' however, reflect the enthusiasm of the author, which does not diminish throughout his book. The contents are similar to those found in a number of British and American texts. The first two chapters introduce the reader to the concept of insect' pests and how it is their ability to rapidly reproduce to enormous numbers that creates the threat to our sources of food and fibre.

This is followed by descriptions of the nature and function of the various bits in and on insect bodies, discussion of the different growth habits of insects and an analysis of their life-cycles. After a standard treatment of identification (and classification) and “non-insect”

pests (mites, slaters, etc.) Dr Fenemore devotes the remaining half of his book to the more diverse and sometimes abstract subjects of insect predators, parasites and pathogens, population dynamics, economic thresholds, plant resistance to insects and insect control using chemicals. This discussion culminates in his useful exploration of .the pest management concept. He describes how this modem idea involves the tactical integration of as many as possible of our control agents (biological and chemical) against insects.

By using this multipronged approach, incorporating elements such as plant resistance, natural enemies and carefully chosen chemicals, a stable and environmentally acceptable control system can be established. At its best such a system is elegant and durable; however the processes and interactions can be frustratingly complex. An omission in his discussion is the potential .and actual value of computer techniques in pest management. This subject is widelytouted, expanding and often dimly understood" A gentle, qualitative explanation of the present and anticipated role of computers in pest management in a book such as Dr Fenemore's could dp much to offset future misconceptions. Generally, the book is most readable and, although the style becomes turgid and repetitive in parts, explanations of principles are careful and lucid. This is particularly so in . the sections dealing with insecticides and the general economics of pest control. However, the book is relatively small and, in view of its wide-ranging aims, can only be regarded as introductory. Furthermore, there is a serious lack of figures — far fewer than those found in competing texts. Such figures are important to the requirements of undergraduate students for whom the book seems suited.

In spite of these limitations, it is, nonetheless, refreshing to read a book of this type, replete with New Zealand examples. Cohorts of students have sat down-with American texts .Qn_' insects

and read wearily of pink bollworms attacking cotton squares and wondered why; nothing deflects the waverer more quickly.

In his introduction, the author indicates that the book could be of interest to a wide range of readers including farmers and horticulturists. This may be so. It discusses, in a readable way, pests and their management within the New Zealand context but the list of pests is by no means comprehensive and there are few illustrations. On the other hand there is an excellent glossary which would be invaluable to the general reader and the book helpfully refers the reader to the appopriate authorities for advice should he or she be confronted with a pest problem.

At $26 a copy, “Plants Pests" is competing directly with its similarly-priced and more comprehensive overseas counterparts. Its relatively simplified' approach and dearth figures must be weighed up against the intrinsic usefulness and interest of its being written from a,New Zealand point of view. ' ■ ‘.