Fall 1993 (v5n5)
	The biodiversity of microorganisms and invertebrates: Its role in sustainable agriculture. D.L. Hawksworth, (Editor) C.A.B.International, Wallingford, Oxon, UK. 1991 This book addresses the important relationship between biological diversity and agricultural production. When we hear the term biodiversity, many of us think of the highly publicized decline in certain species of plants and larger mammals. This book builds a case for turning our attention to changes taking place in the much more numerous invertebrates and microorganisms. In fact, a decline in these less visible species could have far-reaching effects on the sustainability of many agricultural production systems around the world. The reason the impact could be so great is that invertebrates and microorganisms play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing soil fertility, detoxifying pesticides and other pollutants, and in biological control of agricultural pests. The book is based on a workshop organized by C.A.B. International in association with the Committee on the Application of Science to Agriculture, Forestry and Aquaculture, the Commonwealth Science Council, and the Third World Academy of Sciences. Twenty-one chapters are organized into four main subject areas: the importance of invertebrates and microorganisms as components of biodiversity; the importance of biodiversity in sustainable soil productivity; the importance of biodiversity to pest occurrence and management; and biotechnology and biodiversity among invertebrates and microorganisms. Among the key findings of the workshop are the following: 1. We need to increase our knowledge of the nature, extent, and potential usefulness of the genetic resources present in microorganisms and invertebrates and how to protect different ecosystems as reservoirs of such biodiversity. 2. To do so will require that: (a) Research is undertaken to describe the diversity, gene pool, and ecological interactions of different organisms in agricultural and natural systems; (b) Existing genetic potential in invertebrates and microorganisms is conserved by the preservation of natural and managed systems, and, where necessary, by maintaining culture collections of organisms of current and potential value. 3. The promotion of biodiversity alone will not eliminate the need for improvements in farming skills and management. It will, however, contribute to the development of diverse systems able to sustain production on both marginal lands (albeit at low levels) as well as in more fertile areas. 4. The need to support effective conservation and utilization of biodiversity requires development of skills in biosystematics and related disciplines worldwide. 5. The benefits of maintaining biological diversity should be more clearly communicated. Maintaining the diversity of invertebrates and microorganisms has importance for agriculture and other aspects of human welfare. Soil organisms, for example; have been used to produce antibiotics. 6. Education and training must reflect the need to increase awareness of the significance of biodiversity in agriculture and the environment, including the problems of protecting ecologically vulnerable areas. The Biodiversity of Microorganisms and Invertebrates: Its Role in Sustainable Agriculture is available for $76.00 from the University of Arizona Press, 1230 N. Park Ave. #102, Tuscon, AZ 85719. Tel. (800) 426-3797. (DEC.51 6) Contributed by David Chaney   [ Back | Search | Feedback ]