The latest edition of BCPC's Manual of Biocontrol Agents has been launched as an online resource.

The manual has been revised to reflect the growth and maturity of the global biocontrol industry-which now boasts hundred of products.

Expert Dr Roma Gwynn said: "In my lifetime the world population has doubled and it is forecast to double again by 2050.

"Alongside many other issues,this increase puts tremendous pressure on farmable land,requiring a doubling in output per unit area.If we are to conserve biological resources and ensure food security in a substainable way,we need to use the best crop protection technology and methods available."

"Integrated Pest Management-including the use of biological control agents such as macro-organisms,micro-organisams,totanicals and semiochemicals-will play an important part,and it is encouraging that demand for and availability of these technologies is increasing rapidly."

The data provided for each active substance includes information on the products,biological activity,toxicology,resistance codes,nomenclature,targets and companies.

All of the active substances and products that are included in the manual are commercially available.

A book version of the manual will be released in early 2014.