Identification of insects, spiders and mites in vegetable crops. Workshop Manual, 2nd edition

Abstract

Accurate and confident identification of the insects, spiders and mites in vegetable crops is the first step towards successful management of pests and natural enemies. It is an essential prerequisite for crop monitoring, which is the backbone of an effective pest management program. This workshop manual and trainer's handbook were compiled as part of an insect, spider and mite identification program for Australian vegetable growers.

The workshop training is designed to help growers to:
• know how to collect and preserve insects for identification
• be able to classify most common insects (particularly those of horticultural significance) into broad groups
• appreciate the importance of these groups in pest, predator and parasite identification and management
• collect and classify some insect pests, predators and parasites of horticultural importance.