M.Sc. (Ag.) Entomology

Overview of Programme :

Agricultural entomology is a branch of entomology that focuses on the study of insects and their interactions with agricultural crops, livestock, and other aspects of agriculture. It plays a crucial role in understanding and managing insect pests, which can cause significant damage to crops and pose challenges to food production and security. Here’s an overview of agricultural entomology:

• Identification and Classification: Agricultural entomologists study the taxonomy, morphology, and biology of insect pests to accurately identify and classify them. This knowledge helps in understanding pest behavior, lifecycle, and ecology, which are essential for effective pest management.
• Damage Assessment and Economic Impact: Agricultural entomologists assess the damage caused by insect pests to crops and quantify their economic impact on agricultural production. They evaluate yield losses, quality degradation, and associated costs to develop strategies for pest management and control.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM is a holistic approach to pest management that integrates multiple control tactics, including cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical methods. Agricultural entomologists play a key role in developing and implementing IPM programs tailored to specific crops and production systems.
• Biological Control: Biological control involves the use of natural enemies, such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, to suppress pest populations. Agricultural entomologists study the biology, ecology, and behavior of beneficial organisms and explore their potential for biological control of insect pests.
• Chemical Control: Agricultural entomologists evaluate the efficacy, safety, and environmental impact of chemical insecticides for pest management. They conduct research on insecticide formulations, application methods, and resistance management strategies to optimize chemical control measures.
• Host Plant Resistance: Agricultural entomologists investigate plant-insect interactions to identify crop traits that confer resistance or tolerance to insect pests. They develop pest-resistant crop varieties through breeding and genetic engineering approaches, enhancing crop protection and reducing reliance on pesticides.
• Insecticide Resistance Management: Agricultural entomologists monitor and manage insecticide resistance in pest populations to preserve the effectiveness of chemical control measures. They study the mechanisms of resistance, develop diagnostic tools for resistance detection, and recommend resistance management strategies to delay the evolution of resistance.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Agricultural entomologists promote sustainable agriculture practices that balance pest management with environmental conservation and socioeconomic considerations. They advocate for environmentally friendly pest control methods, promote biodiversity conservation, and support agroecological approaches to farming.
• Research and Innovation: Agricultural entomologists conduct scientific research to address emerging challenges in pest management, such as invasive species, climate change, and globalization of trade. They explore new technologies, tools, and approaches for sustainable pest management, driving innovation in agricultural entomology.

Overall, agricultural entomology is essential for safeguarding crop yields, ensuring food security, and promoting environmental sustainability in agriculture. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from basic research on insect biology to applied pest management strategies in agricultural production systems.

Future Prospects

The future prospects of agricultural entomology are promising, driven by ongoing advancements in science, technology, and agricultural practices. Here are some key trends and opportunities that characterize the future of agricultural entomology:

Overall, the future of agricultural entomology is characterized by innovation,collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable pest management practices. Agricultural entomologists will continue to play a critical role in addressing the complex challenges facing agriculture and ensuring a resilient and sustainable food supply for future generations.The job will determine how much knowledge about insects is required. Some occupations may require special licensing, such as in pesticide application. Occupations that benefit from a working knowledge of entomology include landscaping and turf management, animal and human medical care, food science, and biological science.

Scope

Entomologists can be grouped by their area of insect study.  Most professional entomologists are engaged in some branch of economic or applied entomology. This is a very broad category that describes the basic focus of these individuals. They not only want to control the numbers of insects, but to increase those insect populations that are beneficial and to decrease those that are harmful to people’s welfare. Economic and applied entomologists use the study of insects in a practical way.  Other entomologists study insects solely to learn more about their life cycles and behaviours.

• Pest scout : Scouts  monitor  crop  fields  and  take  samples  of  the  types  and quantities  of  insects    This is important in determining the  amount  of potential  damage  which  may  be  done  by  the  insects.  From this information, a producer is better able to select an appropriate insect management plan. Usually, attending a training programmeis the minimum requirement for a scout.  However, experience and education in entomology will enhance an opportunity for a better job in scouting.
• Agricultural product dealer : Any background at all in entomology will help one as a  product    Dealers must keep up with a wide variety of  agricultural products and how they work. Since insect control is a major concern for producers, dealers are frequently asked for their suggestions and recommendations in selecting the products to be used.
• Pest controller : Individuals have a large selection of jobs as pest controllers. Pest controllers evaluate  insect  populations  and  damage,  recommend  insect management programs, implement these programs, apply insecticides, and dispose of  any    Home care,  industrial  insect  management,  and  termite  control are leading employers in this area. Depending on the particular job responsibilities, individuals may need little or much formal education. Certain types of insecticides require special care while using.
• Insecticide applicator : Insecticide  applicators  are  responsible  for  the  correct application and disposal of insecticides.
• Ecological entomologists:These entomologists  are  concerned  with  making regulations  and  enforcing  the  standards  for  protecting  the  environment,  public health, and safety. Proper waste disposal and treatment are also included.  There are manycareers  that  do  not  require  a  professional  degree  in entomology,  but  they  are  enhanced  by  a  general  or  working  knowledge  about insects. 
• Researcher : There  are  many  options  in  research  involving    Most university and industrial research positions require a doctoral degree.  To be aresearch assistant, a laboratory technician, or field technician, individuals mayneed a master’s degree, abachelor’s  degree,  or  less  depending  on  the  place  of employment  and  the  responsibilities  of  the  position.  Consultants may have any level of education, although a graduate degree is frequently required. Forester – Forest entomologists specialize in studying insects that affect different woods and how to properly treat these woods.  A Master’s degree is usually necessary.
• Agricultural Entomologists:Agricultural entomologists research methods to protect crops from pests while also protecting beneficial species of insects such as bees. They may develop better sorts of “integrated pest management,” in which some species are used to control others, thereby minimizing the demand for pesticides.

Job Availability:

A career in agricultural entomology offers a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors, including research institutions, government agencies, academia, private industry, and non-profit organizations. Here are some common job roles and career paths in agricultural entomology:

• Research Scientist: Conduct research on insect pests, their biology, behavior, ecology, and management strategies. Design and implement experiments, analyze data, and publish findings in scientific journals. Work in research institutions, universities, government agencies, or private companies.
• Extension Specialist: Provide education, training, and technical assistance to farmers, agricultural professionals, and stakeholders on pest management practices. Develop outreach programs, extension materials, and workshops to promote integrated pest management (IPM) principles and sustainable agriculture.
• Pest Control Advisor/Consultant: Advise farmers and agricultural businesses on pest management strategies, pest identification, and pesticide selection. Conduct field surveys, monitor pest populations, and recommend appropriate control measures based on IPM principles and regulatory guidelines.
• Biological Control Specialist: Research, develop, and implement biological control strategies for managing insect pests using natural enemies, such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens. Evaluate the efficacy and safety of biocontrol agents and promote their use in agriculture.
• Entomologist in Agrochemical Industry: Work for agrochemical companies to develop, test, and register insecticides and other pest control products. Conduct field trials, evaluate product performance, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for pesticide registration.
• Crop Protection Manager: Oversee pest management programs on farms or agricultural estates. Develop integrated pest management plans, coordinate pest monitoring activities, and implement control measures to protect crops from insect pests while minimizing environmental impact.
• Government Regulatory Officer: Work for government agencies responsible for regulating agricultural pesticides and enforcing pesticide laws and regulations. Review pesticide registrations, conduct risk assessments, and monitor pesticide use to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Academic Professor/Teacher: Teach courses in agricultural entomology, pest management, and related subjects at universities, colleges, or agricultural schools. Conduct research, mentor students, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field through academic publications and presentations.
• Entomologist in International Development: Work for international organizations, NGOs, or development agencies to address agricultural pest problems in developing countries. Collaborate with local communities, governments, and stakeholders to develop sustainable pest management solutions and improve food security.
• Entomological Technician/Research Assistant: Assist research scientists in conducting field and laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining insect colonies. Provide technical support for research projects related to agricultural entomology.

These are just a few examples of career opportunities in agricultural entomology. Depending on one’s interests, qualifications, and experience, there are many other specialized roles and career paths available in this field. A strong background in entomology, agriculture, biology, or related disciplines, along with practical experience and a passion for pest management and sustainable agriculture, can pave the way for a rewarding career in agricultural entomology.

Objective:

1. To developprofessionalism, innovativeness as well as entrepreneurship skills in the field of plant protection specialization to Entomology and to make the students successful in perusing higher studies in the field of Entomology.
2. To make the students very clear about the fundamental concepts about insect morphology, systematics, anatomy, physiology and ecology.
3. To promote the different innovative approaches of pest management tactics in agriculture like physical control, mechanical control, biological control as well as chemical control giving importance with the concepts of ETL, EIL, GEP and other basic concepts regarding pest management.
4. To make the students understand about the basic research ethics, concepts and methodologies helpful to farming communities.
5. To develop the student ability and make them skilled in the field of commercial entomology like beekeeping, sericulture and lac culture.

Programme Outcomes:

• Enrichedknowledgeonrecentdevelopmentsinsoilandcropmanagementwithrespect toimprovementandproductivity,waterandnutrientmanagementandtheirinteraction with integrated approach and the disease and pest management in integrated manner. The economic indices on package of practices develop and their transfer to farmers makes the students eligible for advanced studies at doctoral level.
• With specialized knowledge in a particular discipline of agricultural sciences, the students are worth to be absorbed in different fields of academics, research and extension under different organizations.
• Agriculture being the applied science, the skills as developed in the fields of crop improvement, crop production, crop protection and social science fields makes the students an asset for taking up the assignments both at organizational and field level.
• The knowledge, skill and expertise gained during the `study of course curriculum provides an opportunity to take up entrepreneurships holistically as a joint venture.
• Develop fundamental knowledge on different theories, concepts of basic and applied
• Skills of teaching, research and extension activities in the field of plant protection specialization to entomology.
• Capability to implement Different basic and innovative tools of pest management in crop field benefiting the farming communities and their commercial use.
• Entrepreneurship ability in the commercial field of entomology like bee keeping, sericulture and lac culture.
• Skill in practical aspects like pesticide formulation, calculation of dose of specific pesticide as well as skill to handle different instruments in laboratory useful in entomological research.

Structure of the Programme: 

COURSE PROGRAMME

M.Sc. (Ag.) Entomology