Book Reviews

A Colour Atlas of Tomato Diseases, by D. Blancard. ISBN 07234 1746 6. London: Wolfe, 1992.

The author took a novel approach in presenting information on a subject of this nature. This book was written with the intention that a reader with limited or no knowledge of tomato diseases, or of diseases in general, can diagnose tomato problems. Where there is a question as to confusion over the correct identification of a disease, the reader is encouraged to consult a specialist. The reader is also made aware of the dif- ficulties that exist in determining the causal agent, as different organisms can cause similar symptoms.

The book was constructed in a logical manner so that minimal confusion would occur to readers not well versed in this subject area. In the first part of the book, D. Blancard explains how the book is intended to be used and provides some tips to be considered for effective diagnosis. This is followed by a major section on diagnosis of parasitic and non-parasitic diseases, which begins with a pictorial description of the various disease distribution patterns that may occur in the field and is followed by a representation of disease distribution on affected plants. Much of this section on diagnosis focuses on the different types of symptoms associated with diseases. Blancard divides symptom- types into five categories, which cover irregularities that occur on leaflets and leaves (five symptom groups), roots, collar, stem and fruit. For each symptom-type, there is a list of probable causes followed by pictures of the various symptoms and causal agent. Thus, a particular disease may be found in several locations in the book because the pathogen causes symptoms to dif- ferent plant parts. Once the reader has determined the type of disease that is responsible for the disorder," there is a section for each parasitic pathogen, which describes biological characteristics and control procedures. To reduce con- fusion to the reader, the author does not spend an inordinate amount of time on plant pathological terminology and disease cycles. However, he does present pertinent information con- cerning sources of inoculum, dissemina- tion mechanisms for the pathogen and conditions for disease development. His control methods include information for the present crop and where applicable for the following crops. For non-parasitic

0261-2194/94/04/0316-02 (~ 1994 Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd

diseases discussed in the book, remedies are mentioned where applicable.

One limitation of this book is that some major diseases are not covered. From the perspective of tropical and sub-tropical tomato diseases, several of the major problems are not discussed. However, for the diseases which are covered, they are done very well. The photographs are of extremely high quality and in themselves represent a worthwhile investment to those interested in tomato diseases, including students, scientists, growers and industry personnel. This type of book would also be useful to hobbyists who have an interest in growing tomatoes. The reader is given excellent background as to the typical characteristics of symp- toms. This is done using actual photo- graphs that depict various symptoms such as leaf spots, leaflet deformations, wilting and other symptoms. The cost of the book is approximately US$70 and the quality of the publication is high. It is money well spent for an excellent reference on commonly occurring tomato diseases.

Jeffrey B. Jones

Simulation and Systems Analysis for Rice Production (SARP), ed. by F. W. T. Penning de Vries, H. H. van Laar and M . J . Kropff. Wageningen, Thc Netherlands: Pudoc. 1991.

During 1990 and 1991 four workshops were held in India, China and Malaysia as part of the Dutch funded programme with the International Rice Research Institute ( IRRI) on Simulation and Systems Analysis for Rice Production (SARP). The book is a compilation of selected papers presented in these work- shops, making them accessible to a wider audience both in Asia and else- where. The SARP programme, and the book, focus on four main themes: crop- ping systems; potential production; water, nutrients and roots; and insect pests, diseases and weeds.

The aim of the programme was to undertake a systems analysis of rice production in Asia and to develop computer simulations of the various processes in an integrated approach, so that the modules could be used together. The 40 or so papers in the book present examples of some of these modules and the processes by which they have been developed and validated. They cover

316 Crop Protection 1994 Volume 13 Number 4

not only ecological and physiological factors, such as yields in different crop rotations and carbohydrate partitioning, but also economic factors, such as the potential demand for tractors created by increased rice production potential in Indonesia. Several papers also relate experiences from similar modelling exercises in other crop systems, such as cowpeas and maize.

I was interested to note that all of the pest papers (apart from one on leaf wetness) concentrate on damage and loss, rather than pest dynamics. This is important from the rice production standpoint, but may disappoint insect ecologists. Despite the mention of weeds in the title of this ' theme' , none of the papers concerns weeds. This is rather surprising, as weed control is a major issue in many of the rapidly changing rice systems in South-East Asia, with the increase in direct seeding and intensification of production.

The other three sections appear to give more balanced coverage of their intended subjects, both by discipline and geographically.

The papers will be of interest to modellers of rice and other crops. Students in particular will find the examples and extensive references help- ful, although concentrated on the (admirable) modelling style espoused at Wageningen. Throughout the book there are useful flow diagrams of subsystems and excerpts of simulation programs (or at least equations) showing how the models have been produced. The papers are well illustrated with specific outputs from models which give an excellent overview of the factors that contribute to rice production. The editors have helped to produce good consistency of presentation and quality in the book, and the publishers have made a well- presented product that is far more a 'book' than a set of conference proceedings.

J. D. Mumford Biology Department,

Imperial College at Silwood Park, Ascot, UK

Rice in Deep Water, by David Catling. ISBN 0 333 54978-3 (IRRI ISBN 0 71 22 0005-1). London: Macmillan. 1993.

In the fertile plains and deltas of several of the world's great rivers only one crop dominates the scene - deep water rice

Book reviews

that has been the mainstay of millions of subsistence farmers, especially in parts of Asia. The Overseas Development Administration initiated research on deep watcr rice with the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute in 1974. The leader of the research was Dr David Catling who has now written the first definitivc book on deep water rice, covering not only the work in Bangla- desh but also subsequent experience in Thailand, India and other areas. David Catling is an entomologist, and his early research on this crop with Zahirul Islam and others was concerned with pest management of rice stem borers, but only one chapter of this excellent book is devoted to the whole area of pests, including weeds. Nevertheless, many readers of Crop Protection will find this book extremely fascinating. Deep water rice is a very unusual crop but for Bangladesh, the Mekong river basin and other areas, the whole cropping system in the monsoon season is based on deep water ricc. This book provides an excellent account of the interaction of crop, man and the environment.

Graham Matthews

Pesticide Application Methods, 2nd Edn, by G . A . Matthews. ISBN 0-582- 40905-5 (416 pp.; £17.99). London: Longman. 1992.

The understanding, and subsequent development, of pesticide application techniques has advanced considerably since the first impression of Pesticide Application Methods was published in hardback in 1979. The second edition of the book provides the reader with an

extended and updated version of this popular book and the author has suc- cessfully maintained the original chapter format used when the book was first published. Constraints on methods of pesticide application are constantly altering as new pesticidal molecules are formulated for use at relatively low dose rates. The field application technique for such active materials can be selected correctly only when formulation type and mode of action, target site and susceptibility and meteorological condi- tions are all taken into consideration.

Pesticide Application Methods has justifiably gained a reputation as an authoritative source of information for dedicated workers in crop protection, from managers to field technicians, students of agricultural engineering and crop husbandry and the occasional casual reader. The logical layout and progression of the book's 17 chapters introduces the main subject material by including chapters covering pesticidc formulation, spray targets and the formation of spray droplets. Following the introductory chapters, the main text is devoted to a comprehensive cover of methods of application. The author, who has an obvious awareness and sympathy for his subject, covers all aspects of spray technology in general, with more expansive information on the major application techniques in particular.

This ambitious book constitutes a sensible, useful and well-researched approach to the many parameters related to understanding and improving the application of crop protection and en- hancement agents. However, in common with all reference books covering a rapidly changing field, Pesticide Applica-

tion Methods will require up-dating. The second edition of this book has addressed this to a certain extent, but arguably may have missed the oppor- tunity to extend the reader 's knowledge further by covering in greater detail such innovations as closed liquid chem- ical transfer and injection systems and drift reduction by judicious nozzle selection. These are but minor critic- isms of a book that provides the serious reader, wishing to research further certain aspects of pesticide application, with an extensive bibliography and an adequate index. In fact, for reader convenience, listing the relevant refer- cnces immediately after each chapter may have proved preferential.

The text of Pesticide Application Methods is well supported by many clear diagrams, tables and illustrations and the amount of information packed into the book is a credit to the author. The book constitutes excellent value for money, although the additional cost of a hardback copy could easily be justified where the book is subject to frequent use.

Product Stewardship is referred to in the preface and throughout the book the author's considerable international experience is called upon to illustrate certain points. This experience further adds to the reader 's awareness of the important contribution that safe and efficient spray technology makes to the stewardship chain. As a reference work, Pesticide Application Methods will com- mand a place in most institute libraries, where it will prove invaluable for workers in both developed and develop- ing countries.

Alan Lavers

Crop Protection 1994 Volume 13 Number 4 317