214 The Management section of this compilation covers little-discussed topics pertaining to orna- mental landscape pest management, including the use of alternative insecticides, organic products, how to attract natural enemies, and the use of bio- controls, like nematodes. Of particular use to any reader would be the “commonly observed benefi- cial insects” write-up, which also includes 18 color photos of known beneficials, like the assassin bug (Family: Reduviidae), damsel bug (Family: Nabi- dae), flower fly (Family: Syrphidae), minute pirate bug (Family: Anthocoridae), lacewing (Family: Chrysopidae), and spined soldier bug (Family: Pen- tatomidae), among others. This resource facilitates the quick ID of any of these insects that practitioners would naturally want to conserve and encourage on landscapes. Additionally, the section on insect traps details traps available for purchase and set-up. The inherent variability in ornamental landscapes may make trapping insects much more difficult than in traditional field crops settings or green- houses that are more uniform in nature; practitio- ners should take note, however, that some clientele may be willing to pay for a pest trapping program to avoid a conventional pesticide application. The final pages of the book are dedicated to miscellaneous plant-health-related problems. And although these scenarios may not garner the glam and fame associated with insects or diseases of intrigue, they oſten comprise a majority of plant- related samples that a given diagnostic lab may receive. Thus, the book’s contributions to discussion of environmental stress, soil compaction, and site assessment by renowned researchers, like Dr. Nina Bassuk, make this guide all the more valuable and practical for the end user. Information about abi- otic conditions, like herbicide injury (with numer- ous high-quality specimen photos), and discussion about plant-related the problems that ensue as a result of drought conditions, as well as problems that result in association with improper mulching, are of great importance. Finally, any individuals who have interacted with plant or soil lab diagnos- ticians or who have been on the receiving end of the sample submission process can appreciate just how important, and even limiting, a sample can be if it is not properly taken, packaged for transport, and delivered in a timely manner. Features from the Past for the Future addresses this by clearly out- ©2016 International Society of Arboriculture Book Review lining how to produce high-quality photographs of insects and diseases to submit for diagnosis. In summary, this extensive compilation repre- sents an important step in addressing the key need of enabling practitioners to have an arm’s-length resource that will help them formulate answers to important and sometimes complex questions, aid- ing them in making informed decisions about pest management strategies. Differing from tra- ditional fact sheets or whitepapers, the diverse array of contributing authors includes on-campus researchers and field-based extension specialists who are able to do more than simply illustrate pests and detail their life cycles—these contribut- ing authors have the freedom to develop the IPM concepts that are the foundation of the management strategies of the many pests outlined in this book. In addition to formal research conclusions, the authors also identify their personal, expe- rientially-based findings, and how these might contribute to potential pest management recom- mendations. The book is filled with high-quality photos with helpful captions, and titles depicting pests and plant–problem scenarios. Features from the Past for the Future will make an excellent addi- tion to the library of any professional with urban or ornamental Plant Health Care interests. Reviewed by: Richard W. Harper Department of Environmental Conservation University of Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003-9285, U.S.
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May 2016
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