Agri-ecosystem engineering (AEE) for plant health management (PHM) is both science and art. AEE strategy is a science because it uses scientific knowledge to develop its tactics and spatial deployment of its tactics in an agro-ecosystem is an art. It is predicted that AEE strategy with tremendous potential in PHM is likely to replace the concept of integrated pest management (IPM) and other crop management concepts in modern agriculture in the years to come. Owing to its holistic and ecofriendly nature, AEE strategy with its soil and aerial approaches is winning accolades of researchers and farmers/growers around the globe.

This book introduces the concept of AEE for crops and presents the basics as well as other fundamental aspects of AEE for readers from scientific and non-scientific background. It presents a detailed account on important and selected tactics for above- (aerial) and belowground (soil) approaches in AEE strategy and their implementation. It also touches upon various other ecofriendly tactics in AEE strategy and their deployment designs that influence both aerial and soil habitats of crop for plant health promotion.

This book has enough pertinent information to kindle interest in readers i.e. scientists/researchers, professionals, and farmers/growers, in subject and provides required impetus to explore it as their area of research interest/work. Furthermore, with proper promotion and implementation, it has the potential to become a subject of teaching and research for undergraduate and post-graduate students in agricultural sciences

Dr. Dhana Raj Boina is a trained and seasoned entomologist with over 22 years of experience in agricultural research, teaching and extension including 7 years as freelance Agriculture Consultant under his belt. He obtained his B.Sc. in Agriculture from Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad, INDIA, M.Sc. in Ag. Entomology from University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, INDIA, M.S. in Agriculture (Entomology) from Kansas State University, USA and Ph.D. in Agriculture (Entomology) with specialization in Insecticide Toxicology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA.

He completed two post-doctoral assignments in USA. He served as a faculty member at National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad, INDIA, and conducted training programmes to agriculture scientists and extension agents on Agri-ecosystem Engineering, Plant Protection, Plant Health Management and Plant Biosecurity topics. Currently, he is working as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) in Nova Agritech Limited, Hyderabad, INDIA. His knowledge and expertise areas in Agriculture in-general and Entomology in-specific span across several disciplines including Agri-ecosystem Engineering, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Biological Control, Biopesticides (including botanical pesticides), Stored-Product Insects and their Management, Chemical and Behavioural Ecology, Host Plant Resistance, Insecticide Toxicology, Chemistry and Modes of Action of Insecticides, Insecticide Resistance in Insects and its Management, Insecticide Formulations Development, Patenting & Registration, etc. He has published 22 original research manuscripts in several refereed journals of international repute in entomology area. His other contributions include three manuscripts in non-refereed international journals/proceedings and 84 IPM bulletins and popular articles.

He also authored two book chapters on pest management in crop and stored product environments and one book (current one) on Plant Health Management. He had served as a peer reviewer for several international journals including Pest Management Science, Journal of Economic Entomology, Environmental Entomology, Journal of Medical Entomology, Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, etc. and has so far peer reviewed 45 manuscripts for publication. He was a Co-Principal Investigator in a few research projects aimed at developing and implementing effective management tactics for Asian citrus psyllid in citrus crop ecosystem at Citrus Research and Education Center, USA.

He has several honours and awards to his credit, which include three University Gold Medals from University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, President’s Prize from Entomological Society of America, Certificate of significant achievements from Gamma Sigma Delta- The Honor Society of Agriculture, Certificate for five years service from American Chemical Society, Certificate of Associate Membership from Sigma Xi- The Scientific Research Society, etc. from USA.

Chapter 01.Introductionn
Chapter 02.Belowground Biodiversity: Role in Improving Soil Health and Fertility and in Promoting Plant Healthn
Chapter 03.Aboveground Biodiversity: Role in Plant Health Promotionn
Chapter 04.Attractant Trap and Repellent Plants in Push-Pull Systems: Role in Pest Regulation
Chapter 05.In.sectary/Floral Plants: Role in Enhancing Biological Control of Pests
Chapter 06.Semiochemicals: Role in Agri-ecosystem Beneficial Interactionsn
Chapter 07.Agri-ecosystem Engineering Tactics for Agricultural (Cereals and Other Field) Crops
Chapter 08.Agri-ecosystem Engineering Tactics for Horticultural (Fruits and Vegetables) Crops
Chapter 09.Agri-ecosystem Engineering: A Generalized Procedure