Pests of the native California conifers /

The native conifers of California are a major tourist attraction, very important to the lumber industry and to homeowners fortunate enough to live in the shade of prized specimens. The enjoyment and management of these conifers is immensely aided by this clearly written and well-illustrated text emphasizing diagnosing and understanding pest problems. Succinct suggestions for pest diagnosis are provided in several steps: identification of the tree; inspection for damage and whether damage appears biotic or abiotic, and general or specific, in origin; and determination of the history of the problem. Damage is categorized by causal agent (insect, biotic/abiotic diseases, and larger animals) and further subdivided within each category. Brief sections on damage by symptom location or host species may speed diagnosis. A glossary, references, and index are provided. Vivid color plates (211) are conveniently placed adjacent to the text. Inexplicably, squirrels do not appear in this text, inviting the conclusion this inescapable rodent harbors an expurgatorial ally among the authors. The plasticized cover with a six-inch ruler on the inside edge ensures durability, added utility, and portability for use in the field. Primarily for initial pest diagnosis and reference. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All levels. M. K. Harris Texas A&M University