News and Reviews

Publication on Alternatives to Pesticides for Insect Control

Alternatives in Insect Management: Biological and Biorational Approaches, NCR 401, by Rick Weinzierl and Tess Henn, is a well-written 73 page extension bulletin that provides background information and evaluations of the safety and effectiveness of several alternative products and practices that are available for use in insect pest management. The publication is divided into four chapters on microbial insecticides, botanical insecticides and insecticidal soaps, insect attractants and traps, and beneficial insects and mites. An extensive table in Chapter 3 presents suggested guidelines for specific uses of attractants and traps. The basic principles of biological control are briefly presented, and a wide variety of commercially available and naturally occurring natural enemies are discussed. Line drawings accompany the descriptions of common natural enemies. Another large table in Chapter 4 provides information on the use of beneficials against pests on a variety of crops, adapted from scientific literature and supplier's recommendations.

This publication is available through most North Central states extension bulletin offices. If they do not have copies, contact

Publication on Biological Control of Cabbage Insects

Biological Control of Insect Pests of Cabbage and Other Crucifers, NCR 471, is a resource for anyone growing cole crops, from home gardeners to large-scale commercial producers. The first section of this 54-page, full-color bulletin is a brief summary of insect biology, the types of natural enemies, the general approaches to biological control, and a discussion of the economics of pest control. The large second section provides specific information, describing each important pest, summarizing the damage, life cycle, and pest status. There are also descriptions and color photographs of the natural enemies, plus an explanation of effective biological control, other alternative control methods, and suggestions on integrating biological control with other crop and pest management practices. The third section describes many of the common generalist natural enemies contributing to biological control of insect pests on crucifers, and also includes many photographs.

The bulletin is available through most North Central states extension bulletin offices or through University of Wisconsin

(Note: cost may vary from state to state).

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