This paper describes the bioassays of replicating bacteria against soil-dwelling insect pests. The purpose of any bioassay (the experimental hypothesis) must be clearly defined at the outset. Bioassays can be used for pathogen screening, differentiation between pathogens or selection of strains...

This chapter outlines the many different bioassay techniques that are used with insect viruses, such as Spodoptera littoralis nuclear polyhedrosis viruses. The need to find out an accurate estimate of viral infectivity requires a more labour-intensive approach than the need to compare the activity...

Methods for isolation, cultivation and storage of entomogenous fungi and important aspects of host-pathogen relationships are briefly reviewed, focusing on specific factors which could influence the results of laboratory and field-based bioassays. The methods used for bioassay of these fungi...

This chapter deals with bioassays of microsporidia (entomophilic protozoa), which are important naturally occurring control agents. Many questions about their role in the population dynamics of the host (including insect plant pests) require information about both the lethal and sublethal effects.

This chapter deals with some methods and procedures developed and tested with specific entomopathogenic nematode strains as potential biological control agents. It is likely that for other species of nematodes, experimental conditions such as concentration, incubation period and incubation...

This chapter describes a selection of the methods used for analysing bioassay data. The statistical methods are described in a general form and can be used specifically to analyse bioassays involving microbial control agents, such as entomopathogens used for pest (including plant pests) control. An ...

This chapter draws attention to legislation and requirements relevant to collecting and handling biological specimens, such as entomopathogenic microbes and nematodes. Ownership of intellectual property rights is discussed, in particular, how this relates to patenting living organisms and the...

The background theory and practical protocols for bioassays of biological control agents against agricultural and medical insect pests are provided. Chapters are presented on the bioassays of Bacillus thuringiensis, bacteria against soil-dwelling insect pests, entomopathogenic viruses, entomogenous ...