Covers almost 100 species of the most important insect pests affecting rice cultivation Brings together the key research on each pest, including description and biology and effects on rice plants Written by a team of leading entomologists with experience of rice pests in Asia, Africa, the United States and Latin America Includes over 150 photographs and images

Provides a detailed overview of the recent advances in the biocontrol sector, focussing on the development of products to control crop insect pests Considers the key issues and challenges that can arise as a result of the development of novel biocontrol agents, such as the challenge of commercialising a new product to a rapidly changing market Addresses how breeding techniques can be optimised to improve plant defences against insect pest attacks

Particular focus on advances in understanding insect species and landscape ecology, which provide the foundations for effective IPM Covers latest research on classical, conservation and augmentative biological control Reviews key developments in use of entomopathogenic fungi, viruses and nematodes

Summarises advances in cultivation practices to close yield gaps, including more efficient irrigation and nutrition techniques; Discusses innovative methods of ‘climate-smart’ cultivation such as integrated crop management and the system of rice intensification (SRI); Reviews the latest research on insect pests, weeds and integrated pest management

This chapter explores how an understanding of crop phenotypic plasticity might inform and improve pest management. In crops, plant-mediated interactions among herbivores and other organisms may have implications for pest management by, for example, altering thresholds or recommendations for scouting or management interventions; however, insufficient data exist to determine whether plant-mediated interactions are strong enough to warrant modifications to management practices. In addition, plasticity may enable stimulation of resistance in anticipation of herbivore attack through the application of substances that induce plant defense mechanisms, including chemical elicitors, soil microorganisms, and soil amendments. Greater understanding of the mechanisms by which these substances increase resistance and of the factors that influence their effectiveness will be needed to leverage phenotypic plasticity for improved pest management.