Fundamentals of Applied Acarology

Acarology - the study of mites and ticks, is a subdiscipline of Zoology, and is many times considered in the field of Entomology (the study of insects). Mites and ticks are distributed throughout the world and inhabit almost every ecosystem (both terrestrial and aquatic) including grassland soils. More than 55,000 species of mites and ticks are already described. Mites and ticks directly affects humans as pests of different crops, fruit plants, vegetable crops and field crops; as parasites of human beings, veterinary animals, poultry and pets; pests of stored grains and other products; mushrooms and cheese; and as parasites of honeybees. Mite infestations are responsible for economic losses worth billions of dollars in terms of reduced crop yields and lowered quality of produce. Many species of mites serve as vectors of various plant diseases; some species of ticks cause losses through blood feeding and by transmitting many diseases among man and animals. House-dust mite allergies, and tick bite allergies are also common in many parts of the world.
Present Book, "Fundamentals of Applied Acarology," is written keeping in view non-availability of any standard text dealing in different aspects of acarology at one place. Separate chapters in this  book are devoted to Importance of Acarology, Historical account, acarine technology, morphology and anatomy of Acari; Feeding, Development and Reproduction. Molecular developments in relation to mites and ticks are also discussed. Role of mites and ticks in Quarantines of plants and animals; forensic/criminal investigations; and importance of accidental acarophagy are discussed in detail. Safe usage of pesticides based on their mode of action (IRAC’s Groups), development of acaricide resistance and measures to mitigate it are discussed. Mite pests of fruit trees, vegetable plants, and floricultural plants; field crops; mite problems in greenhouses/polyhouses; and mite problems encountered under organic cultivation of plants; and their management through minimum usage of pesticides are emphasized. Role of different predaceous mites in controlling plant pests like thrips, aphids and scale insects is elaborately discussed. Biological control of phytophagous mites is discussed in detail. Different animal parasitic mites and ticks are discussed from veterinary and medical point of view.
At the end of each chapter, many important references for further reading; and Electronic References (ER) in the form of youtube links and other weblinks are given to understand fully how these tiny creatures look like; behave, feed and reproduce; nature of damage they cause to plants and animals; and measures to mitigate them. Weblinks will stimulate interest in the readers for more information about different mites and ticks. Theknowledge contained in the book may prove as best material for "General and Applied Acarology" course for graduate and post-graduate levels, teachers and researchers in entomology, pest control advisors, professional entomologists, pesticide industry managers, policy planners, and others having interest in mites and ticks.

Dr M. S. Dhooria was born in 1946 and did his B.Sc. in Agriculture in 1967,and M.Sc. in Entomology in 1969 from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana(Punjab), India. In 1980, did Ph. D in Entomology from Indian Agricultural Research Institute(IARI),New Delhi (India)and did pioneering researches on mite pests of citrus. He was awarded Junior Research Fellowship in M.Sc., and Senior Research Fellowship in Ph. D studies by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR),New Delhi. He has more than 36 years of experience in teaching, research and extension of entomology. He did research work on: Biology, Ecology, and control of phytophagous mites of Punjab. Published more than 125 research publications in different reputed journals. Contributed some book chapters and a booklet on Citrus Mites as a special publication of ICAR. Attended several national and international level workshops on different aspects of insects and mites. He is also a life fellow of Entomological Society of India, New Delhi; Indian Society for the Advancement of Insect Science, Ludhiana; and Acarological Society of India(ASI), Bangalore. Remained as Vice President of ASI for two terms. Friendship Forum of India, New Delhi, awarded him the Certificate of Honour and Gold Medal for his lifetime achievements in Entomology. Retired from active service in April 2006.