Acarology - the study of mites and ticks, is a subdiscipline of
Zoology, and is many times considered in the field of Entomology (the
study of insects). Mites and ticks are distributed throughout the world
and inhabit almost every ecosystem (both terrestrial and aquatic)
including grassland soils. More than 55,000 species of mites and ticks
are already described. Mites and ticks directly affects humans as pests
of different crops, fruit plants, vegetable crops and field crops; as
parasites of human beings, veterinary animals, poultry and pets; pests
of stored grains and other products; mushrooms and cheese; and as
parasites of honeybees. Mite infestations are responsible for economic
losses worth billions of dollars in terms of reduced crop yields and
lowered quality of produce. Many species of mites serve as vectors of
various plant diseases; some species of ticks cause losses through blood
feeding and by transmitting many diseases among man and animals.
House-dust mite allergies, and tick bite allergies are also common in
many parts of the world.Present Book, "Fundamentals of Applied
Acarology," is written keeping in view non-availability of any standard
text dealing in different aspects of acarology at one place. Separate
chapters in this book are devoted to Importance of Acarology, Historical
account, acarine technology, morphology and anatomy of Acari; Feeding,
Development and Reproduction. Molecular developments in relation to
mites and ticks are also discussed. Role of mites and ticks in
Quarantines of plants and animals; forensic**/**criminal investigations;
and importance of accidental acarophagy are discussed in detail. Safe
usage of pesticides based on their mode of action (IRAC's Groups),
development of acaricide resistance and measures to mitigate it are
discussed. Mite pests of fruit trees, vegetable plants, and
floricultural plants; field crops; mite problems in
greenhouses/polyhouses; and mite problems encountered under organic
cultivation of plants; and their management through minimum usage of
pesticides are emphasized. Role of different predaceous mites in
controlling plant pests like thrips, aphids and scale insects is
elaborately discussed. Biological control of phytophagous mites is
discussed in detail. Different animal parasitic mites and ticks are
discussed from veterinary and medical point of view.At the end of each
chapter, many important references for further reading; and Electronic
References (ER) in the form of youtube links and other weblinks are
given to understand fully how these tiny creatures look like; behave,
feed and reproduce; nature of damage they cause to plants and animals;
and measures to mitigate them. Weblinks will stimulate interest in the
readers for more information about different mites and ticks. The
knowledge contained in the book may prove as best material for "General
and Applied Acarology" course for graduate and post-graduate levels,
teachers and researchers in entomology, pest control advisors,
professional entomologists, pesticide industry managers, policy
planners, and others having interest in mites and ticks.
