Book Reviews

Rice Blast Modelling and Forecasting. Selected papers from the International Rice Research Institute Conference, 27- 31 August 1990, Seoul, Korea. ISBN 971-22~)011-9 (99 pp). Los Bafios: International Rice Research Institute. 1991.

Although this book is a collection of papers by different authors, I feel it hangs together as a single entity better than most of its kind. The book has a useful role at several levels: first, it is an excellent source of reference for rice blast, and second, for anyone interested in the philosophy and approach to pathosystem modelling, it will provide important insights which should be con- sidered carefully before embarking on any model-building of one's own.

An initial overview chapter introduces the rice blast pathosystem, discusses important issues in approaches to modelling and outlines models that have been used for rice blast disease progress, forecasting and damage pre- diction. Subsequent chapters describe modelling and forecasting work in India; Japan, Korea, Thailand and the Philip- pines.

A number of regression models are described. Although largely empirical, these models are simple, easily validated against field observations, and this book contains case-studies where such models have been put into practice for forecast- ing and control. A regression model developed in Madras is used to predict disease incidence over the next week, based on spore number, relative humid- ity and amount of dew. In Thailand, regression models are used as a basis for practical management guidelines for the disease.

In general, simulation models are more detailed and more mechanistic than regression models. The simulation models described in the book provide good examples of how careful decisions have been made to limit model scope and detail to be consistent with the objectives of the modelling exercise. A model developed in Japan predicts both the onset and progress of the disease, enabling more effective timing of the first fungicide application. A detailed flow chart and source-code (in BASIC) is provided for a leaf blast simulation model developed in Korea. A model of spore dispersal and deposition provides insights into the role of wind speed and

crop leaf area on spore distribution. In the final chapter, the impact of leaf blast on rice photosynthesis and yield is explored using a crop growth simulation model.

A very helpful entry point to the literature on rice blast, this book would be invaluable on the shelf of all plant pathology researchers and students, not just those with an interest in modelling. Because the exercise of formulating models forces us to identify critical gaps in knowledge, the book is also useful for research policy-makers seeking to gain an understanding of the real constraints towards which research should be directed.

Most of the chapters achieve a useful balance between overview and detail. The reader will be able to identify where to find further information. Suf- ficient detail is given, however, to convey clearly how the various model- ling approaches have been implemented.

Mathematical modelling is a notori- ously difficult subject to convey. The authors of this book manage the task admirably, to produce a book that is easy to read while maintaining a high technical content. The presentation is of a very high standard, with tables, figures, .flow-charts and equations all presented clearly.

In an extensively researched subject with a substantial literature, this slim but information-packed book should remain a valuable reference in rice blast research for the next decade.

Johnson Holt Pest Systems Modelling,

Natural Resources Institute, Chatham, Kent, UK

Research Collaboration in European IPM Systems: British Crop Protection Council Monograph 52. ISBN 0948404453-9 (90 pp; UK £15.00. Rest of world £16.00/US$30.00) Thornton Heath: BCPC. 1992

Thi3 monograph reports the proceedings of a pre-conference symposium of the 1992 BCPC Brighton Conference. This was entirely concerned with the Proj ec t - European Collaborative Linkage of Agriculture and Industry through Research (ECLAIR) 209 - 'The Devel- opment of Environmentally Safe Pest

Control for European Olives'. The title does not indicate that IPM of olives is the only system discussed. Olives are an important crop in the Mediterranean area and similar ecological zones else- where but many of those attending the Conference were very disappointed, having been attracted to the idea of discussions on 'IPM in Europe' in a much wider context. ECLAIR 209 was one of the largest projects funded under the CEC programme intended to reduce pesticide use and/or develop environ- mentally friendly control techniques, but there is no mention of what the other projects were. Nevertheless, this monograph is a very useful report on the Project as it presents the situation after approximately 21A years of a 4-year programme costing 6.4 X 106 ecu (> £4 X 106). Scientists in four countries - UK, Spain, Italy and Greece - are involved, with both universities and commercial companies. Professor P. T. Haskell is the Coordinator of the Project.

FAO attempted to develop an IPM programme for olives in Greece in the 1970s after an upsurge of scale insects and sooty moulds had occurred when too many insecticide sprays had been applied against the larval stages of the olive fly. While attempts were made to release parasitoids such as Opius concolor, the main change that occurred was a reduction in the number of non- persistent insecticide sprays. Tl-/ese were applied with a bait earlier against the adult flies in July to minimize the effects on natural enemies in the autumn. Unfortunately the bait in sprays and sticky yellow traps which were tried also attract beneficial insects.

The present project concentrates primarily on the use of Bacillus thuringiensis against olive moth larvae and the use, of pheromones in traps or as a component of a 'lure and kill' technique. It is hoped that, by the completion of the project in 1994, the initial objectives of reducing pesticide use will have been accomplished. Collaborative research will be increas- ingly demanded by funding agencies such as the CEC, so future conferences and monographs should cover similar IPM topics, but when they are organized, the title should reflect the actual programme.

Graham Matthews

554 Crop Protection 1993 Volume 12 Number 7