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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #114177
Title: PROTOZOAN CONTROL OF PESTS

Author
item Lewis, Leslie

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Pest Management
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/6/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Microspora, a phylum within the subkingdom Protozoa, contains the microsporida, obligatory intercellular parasites. The microsporida are key control agents for several pest insects. Microsporida are maintained in insect populations by vertical and horizontal transmission. Infections by microsporida weaken the insect making it more vulnerable to environmental extremes, e.g., hot and dry or wet and cold. Also, microsporida infection combined with microbial and chemical insecticides, parasitoids, predators and natural plant resistance to insects are very effective in reducing populations of insect pests.