[Population biology aspects of arthropod control]

The present problems of the still predominating chemical control of pests (resistance, side effects) cannot only be compensated by improved active ingredients, formulations, or modes of application. New concepts are of increasing importance. Recent advancements in the field of ecology and genetics of populations are very useful in this respect. Especially the laws of dynamics in abundance and dispersion are of fundamental importance for a selective and effective control. Experiences in population genetics enable us to have a more comprehensive idea of the origin of qualitative alterations in populations, e.g. of resistance. This provides possibilities of derive resistance-preventing measures and test them in the field. To secure a sufficient decrease in abundance without exerting too high a selection pressure in a single direction a scheduled change or a combination of different means of control is desirable, characteristics of the "Integrated Control" or of the "Pest Management".