Insect Pathology (Current Principles and Methods) is a comprehensive four-volume compendium that presents an in-depth analysis of the principles, practices, and evolving technologies in the field of insect pathology, with a particular focus on biological pest management and its implications for sustainable agriculture. Volume One explores the foundational aspects of entomopathogenic bacteria and viruses, including Bacillus thuringiensis, baculoviruses, and other microbial agents used in integrated pest management. It covers their biology, mode of action, resistance management, and biopesticide formulations. Volume Two focuses on fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, delving into their mass production, application methods, and innovative uses in pest suppression, including advances like nanomycopesticides and endophytic fungi. Volume Three bridges biotechnology, transgenics, genomics, formulation science, insect immune responses, and statistical analysis, addressing how modern tools can enhance pest control efficacy while ensuring environmental safety. Volume Four broadens the scope to include patents, lab infrastructure, pest control technologies, regulatory frameworks, laboratory techniques, practical experiments, and the critical need for trained insect pathologists in India. It also includes insights into climate change impacts, laboratory equipment, media formulations, and a glossary of key terms. Together, this set serves as an authoritative reference for researchers, academicians, students, practitioners, and policymakers in the disciplines of entomology, plant protection, pathology, biotechnology, and integrated pest management, offering a holistic and cutting-edge approach to managing insect pests through microbial interventions.

Dr. K. L. Srivastava
F.E.S.I., F.I.S.B.A., F.S.P.S.I., F.S.P.P.S.I, F.A.E.B.I
Dr. K.L. Srivastava, an eminent Insect Pathologist of India, was formerly Principal Scientist (Entomology) at the Division of
Entomology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. Dr. K. L. Srivastava took his Bachelor’s
Degree in Agriculture (1963), Master’s Degree in Agricultural Zoology (1966) with prestigious “Stood first in order of Merit
in M. Sc. Certificate” and got his coveted D.Phil Degree (1988), all from the University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India.
His good piece of dissertation in D.Phil on “Comparative toxicological studies on the effect of Bacterial insecticide
and calcium arsenate on castor semilooper, Achaea janata Linn.” earned appreciation amongst the scientific fraternity. K. L.
Srivastava started his Career as Research Assistant in 1968 at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New
Delhi and worked there till 1975. He was elevated to serve as Scientist for a brief period till 1976. Thereafter, he joined and
served in the post of Junior Scientist from 1976 to 1982 in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. (ICAR), New Delhi.
Dr. K. L. Srivastava elevated as Senior Scientist and served in the position from 1983 to 1998, and then he held the coveted
post of Principal Scientist from 1998 to till his superannuation of January 2006.
Dr. K. L. Srivastava with his commendable experience of 38 years in Research and Teaching, has guided M. Sc.
and Ph. D. Students, and also published 38 Research Papers and one Book and 3 Book Chapters to his credit. His significant
achievements include the development of novel “PUSA BT” A Water Dispersible Powder (WDP) Formulation based on
Bacillus thuringiensis for management of diverse lepidopteran pests, in collaboration with his then research student Dr. T.V.
Prasad, now positioned as Principal Scientist in ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad. Dr. K.L. Srivastava also achieved significant
success on the studies, on Ultrastructural changes in midgut cells of Helicoverpa armigera due to Bacillus thuringiensis var.
kurstaki an isolate BTS 42" studies carried out by research student, Haris Kumar, Chief Technical Officer, ATIC, ICAR-
IARI, New Delhi, and on pioneer in collection, identification and characterization of Granulosis Virus (GV) from Achaea
janata; Protozoa, Nosema sp. of cutworm, Agrotis ypsilon and a promising entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana
from Chilo partellus, all are playing pivotal role in biological control system of crop pests.
Dr. K. L. Srivastava is a recipient of several awards, and fellowships to name a few: Lifetime Achievement Award
(2024) - Conferred by Pragati International Scientific Research Foundation. India. Dr. Harvansh Singh Lifetime
Achievement Award (2024) Conferred by Swami Sahajanand College, Jehanabad, Bihar, India. Fellowship Award (2003) -
Conferred by Bioved Research Society, Allahabad.
Editor - in- Chief of Insect Pathology (Current Principles and Methods). Books are in four Volumes: -Volume one
(Bacteria and Virus), Volume two (Fungi, Protozoa and Nematodes). Volume Three (Biotechnology, Transgenics,
Formulation, Immune System and Statistical Analysis Tools) and Volume Four (Patent, Pest Control Technology,
Techniques, Practicals, Laboratory and Insect Pathologist in India and Glossary)
Prof.Dr.V.AMBETHGAR, Ph.D,, FUWAI, FPPAI, FSPPS (IARI), FIBR, FSESc, FSSc, FAZRA, LFESI (IARI), FIPS (IARI),
FSBA (NBAIR), FPMHES (IIHR), FIARA, FBSS (TNSRO), Research Advisor ABI (USA)

Prof. Dr. V. Ambethgar has more than 33 years of experience in the field of Crop Protection with unique
specialization in handling “Entomopathogenic Endophytic Fungi for Pest Management System”. He started his
carrier as an “Agricultural Officer” in the Agriculture Department, Government of Puducherry in 1991. He
served in various capacities as Former Director, Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (TRRI), Aduthurai In
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Former Dean, JSA College of Agriculture and Technology,
TNAU, Tamil Nadu. He is presently positioned as Professor and Head, Department of Entomology, TNAU,
Triruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India,
Prof. V. Ambethgar, has significantly contributed for teaching, research and extension in Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University. He has handled more than 10 externally funded projects of state/central agencies
including ICAR, GOI-DST, GOI-DCCD, etc. He is recipient of several awards from reputed scientific
organizations including Indian Science Congress Award, Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of
Science & Technology, Government of India, Best Researcher Award, Scientist of Excellence in Niche Area of
Research in Entomology by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and several other recognitions for his
outstanding professional excellence. He has been elected Fellow (s) of many scientific bodies, notably The
Entomological Society of India (ESI), IARI, New Delhi; Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS), IARI, New
Delhi, The Society for Biocontrol Advancement, NBAIR, Bengaluru, The Association for Pest Management in
Horticultural Ecosystem, IIHR, Bengaluru, The Bibliographical Society of America, USA, besides an active
Life Member in more than 45 premier scientific societies in India and abroad.Prof. V.Ambethgar has authored
12 textbooks to his credit; besides having published 115 scientific papers, 18 Reviews, 23 Book chapters, 16
Technical Bulletins, 12 Teaching Manual and numerous popular science articles. Prof. Ambethgar has guided
many PG students. He has been ‘Visiting Scientist” to the Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil as
well as to the University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil for collaborative research on “Endophytic
Microorganisms in Cashew”, besides, he has visited countries like Thailand, Taiwan, West Indies, Sri Lanka,
Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam as resource person for chairing scientific events, invited talk, panel discussion
and for attending workshops, conferences and related assignments for the benefit of diverse stakeholders.