University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore

Includes bibliographical reference, appendix and index

General Considerations -- Physicochemical aspects of pesticide formulation and application -- Principles of pesticide metabolism -- Organophosphorus insecticides -- Carbamate insecticides, molluscicides and nematicides -- Organochlorine insecticides -- Other insecticides and related compounds -- Fungicides: general principles; Inorganic and heavy metal fungicides -- Non-systemic organic fungicides -- Systemic fungicides -- Herbicides: general considerations -- Herbicides applied to foliage -- Herbicides that act through the soil

The chemical control of pests and diseases now encompasses many disciplines of science and technology, including chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, physics and ecology, This book provides a rare synthesis of information on the formulation, biochemistry, physiological effects and mode of action of all the major groups of pesticides, indicating why such matters are of importance in relation to the use of these substances in agriculture. The book begins with a description of the economic aspects of pesticides, their toxicology and the precautions relevant to their marketing and use. The various types of compounds employed and the physicochemical factors involved in their formulation are then discussed, followed by the biochemical principles of pesticide metabolism. The core of book consider the major groups of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. Organophorphorus, carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides are covered and the various compounds are grouped to illustrate the principles underlying persistence, selectivity and metabolism. Compounds with acaricidal, nematicidal and molluscicidal properties are considered more briefly. Systemic and non-systemic fungicides are dealt with and the basic principles of control of fungi are discussed. The advantages and limitations of pre-and post-emergence application of herbicides are considered. Finally details are given of the chemistry and uses of the major groups of foliar and soil-acting compounds. This book gives a comprehensive account of pesticides. It will be valuable not only to students the many aspects of pest controller.