Review by Choice Review
Biological control has relied heavily on the development of theoretical models; this is also richly evident in the subfield of parasitoid behavior. Most of the 18 chapters emphasize theoretical models, although chapter 3 notes a recent increase in research that focuses on field observations of parasitoids. The last four chapters further extend the modeling approach. Chapter 17 proposes to use genetic algorithms to find optimal behaviors and cites David Goldberg ("Three billion years of evolution can't be wrong") to legitimize this application, perhaps overlooking the fact that more than 90 percent of the species so evolved are now extinct. This book reflects the preponderance of theory and the paucity of field data to refine that theory today. The limited field data currently available is, however, readily used to support or refute the models presented. The lack of such data to test models is routinely recognized, which hopefully will engender support for young investigators to embark on field investigations to bolster the discipline. Editor Wajnberg (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, France) and colleagues have compiled papers from expert international authors that provide an insightful theoretical context for designing, conducting, and evaluating needed field studies for informed decision making in biological control. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students through professionals. M. K. Harris Texas A&M University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
