Author
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Bruck, Denny |
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Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 11/28/2008 Publication Date: 2/2/2009 Citation: Bruck, D.J. 2009. Book Review: Bioassays with Arthropods: 2nd Edition. Journal of Economic Entomology. 102:466. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The technical book "Bioassays with Arthropods: 2nd Edition" (2007. Jacqueline L. Robertson, Robert M. Russell, Haiganoush K, Preisler and N. E. Nevin, Eds. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 224 pp.) was reviewed for the scientific readership of the peer-reviewed publication Journal of Economic Entomology. The authors have put together wonderful reference text for both beginning and experienced researchers. As they state in chapter one, “Mindless experimental design that results in data subjected to equally mindless analyses is a waste of time and resources.” This text is a good reminder for all scientists performing bioassays that assumptions made in the past may or may not be true and not all data sets can be subjected to the same analyses that were used previously simply because we know how to perform them. The text provides clear outlines for designing and performing bioassays in natural variation in response, quarantine statistics, pesticide resistance, chemical mixtures, speed of kill, binary quantal response with multiple explanatory variables, effect of erroneous assumptions about body weight and finally multinomial quantal response. As the authors lead us through each type of assay, the reader is provided not only with the correct design but also statistical equations with clear explanations of their meaning. The authors also provide guidance on the use of LeOra Software including PoloPlus, PoloMix, PoloDose and PoloEncore for straightforward user friendly statistical analysis. |
