Horowitz, A.R., Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, Gilat Research Center, MP Negev, Israel
Ishaaya, I., Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel

Reducing the use of synthetic pesticides, especially broad-spectrum insecticides in plant protection and using more alternative and novel methods for pest control or biorational control are the challenges of pest control for the twenty-first century. This overview is based on the different chapters of this book, which deals with advanced and novel technologies for managing insect pests. These technologies focus on safer and environmentally friendly (biorational) approaches. One such approach is based on disrupting the activity of specific biochemical sites serving as targets for insecticide discovery. Another section is related to screening potential insecticides by cell-based and other advance screens. The third segment deals with novel biotechnology control strategies (the genetic approach). The last section of the book covers many other new aspects of pest control such as the usefulness of plant natural-product mixtures, optical manipulation for controlling sucking pests, recent progress in bed bug management, and insect pests in store food and the utilization of nanotechnology for development of potent insecticides. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. All rights reserved.