Molecular Approaches to Fundamental and Applied Entomology - Springer Series in Experimental Entomology

The fruit fly Drosophila has been a major research organism in the molecular revolution that has swept through all areas of biology over the last two decades. Profound new insights into general mechanisms underlying animal development, behaviour and evolution have emerged from Drosophila research. Only recently, however, have molecular biologists turned their attention to the many insect pests that plague agriculture and public health worldwide. This book reviews and extends the spectacular research progress with Drosophila and surveys the exciting early results and vast potential of exploiting molecular biology to control pest insects. Topics covered include: the molecular genetics of insect meiosis, tissue differentiation, sex determination and biological rhythms; the molecular basis of insect resistance to chemical insecticides and the development of alternative, genetically engineered microbial insecticides; molecular tools for studying insect systematics and population biology; gene cloning techniques and prospects for genetically engineering insects of economic importance.