This book consists of three parts. The first part deals with general aspects of crop pests and chemical pesticides emphasising their benefits, but also their effects on human health and the environment. Missing knowledge of unwanted effects may result in intoxication of humans and animals and in environmental impacts. In this part the registration procedure for pesticides in Nepal is outlined. Only pesticides with low risks for humans and for the environment should be approved. Therefore, the registration procedure together with the education of the people involved in pesticide distribution, handling and application is an important tool to minimize negative effects.

In the second part the pest species relevant for Nepal are listed with details on identification, distribution, life cycle and damages on host plants. Emphasis in this part is put on specific natural enemies of the pest species and on their potential in pest control. Hints are provided how pests can be managed without synthetic pesticides. Some information and illustrations presented in this part are taken from various sources, relevant papers and internet sites cited at the end of the corresponding pest. The authors are aware that the information may not always correspond with the situation in Nepal, since local data is often missing. This book contains only basic knowledge and can be significantly improved. Therefore, we would like to encourage professionals and students to collect data on Nepalese pest species and thus contribute to a better understanding of their biology and ecology. Based on this additional knowledge environmental friendly methods of pest management can be developed.

The third part gives an overview on natural enemies. These beneficial organisms, predators, parasitoids and pathogens of pest arthropods, have long been neglected in agricultural research, but today it is clear that they play a significant role in pest control. On one hand they suppress or regulate potential or real pest species. On the other hand many beneficial can be or are already used as pest control agents. Some are commercially available or can be mass produced with simple technology. The knowledge of biology and ecology of these natural enemies is essential for the development of non-chemical pest control methods. This aspect has often been overlooked or not taken enough into consideration in Nepal as an alternative to chemical pesticides. The agricultural structure and the ecological diversity of Nepal offer a great potential and a real chance to realize this goal.

The last part of the book contains a list of pest species with their distribution in Nepal, information on self-propagation of some biological and botanical insecticides and a glossary. This book will fill a gap of references to the scientists, professionals and students involved in the field of Eco friendly pest management.