About The Book

Insect Pathology (Current Principles and Methods) – Volume One: Bacteria and Virus offers a foundational and in-depth overview of entomopathogens with a specific focus on bacterial and viral agents used in the biological control of insect pests. The volume begins with an introduction to entomopathogens, followed by a detailed historical account of insect pathology globally, nationally, and within key Indian institutions like ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. It then transitions into the principles of insect pathology and the science of epizootiology, providing the biological basis for understanding microbial infections in insect populations. The book delves deeply into the biology and application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)—one of the most widely used entomopathogenic bacteria—covering its role in biological control, formulation techniques, and strategies for managing resistance in insect populations. Additional chapters explore other entomopathogenic bacteria, the role of bacterial endophytes in plant biotic stress management, and modern control strategies targeting pests such as white grubs. The latter sections focus on entomopathogenic viruses, particularly baculoviruses (NPV and GV), their principles, formulation techniques, and integration into insect pest management programs. This volume serves as a critical resource for students, researchers, and professionals in entomology, plant protection, and integrated pest management, offering both theoretical foundations and practical applications for microbial insect control in agriculture.

About Author

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.