In applied entomology, we deal with the dual nature of insects (beneficial and harmful) applied to humankind. This course provides a brief knowledge about taxonomy, identification, life history, mode of damage, and integrated control of different economically important insects. Students will learn about the insect pests of agricultural crops, fruits, vegetables, stored products, and households with their advanced management. In addition, the role of beneficial insects in different cottage industries (Apiculture, Sericulture & Lac culture) will also be studied.

Learning Outcomes

        By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Identify major insect pests of agricultural crops, fruits, vegetables, stored products, and household, based on their damage symptoms and morphological traits
2. Describe life cycles and ecology of major insect pests
3. Plan and implement the integrated control measures to prevent and reduce the pest infestation

Course Contents

        (Theory)

1. Introduction 
2. Causes of success and economic importance of insects 
3. Principles and methods of insect control i.e. cultural, biological, physical, mechanical, reproductive, legislative, chemical and bio-technological control 
4. Introduction to IPM; insecticides, their classification, formulations and application equipments 
5. identification, life histories, mode of damage and control of important insect pests of various crops, fruits, vegetables, stored grains, household, termites and locust 
6. Entomological industries: apiculture, sericulture and lac-culture

        (Practical) 

1. Collection, identification and mode of damage of insect pests of various crops, fruits, vegetables, stored grains and household
2. Insecticide formulations, their dilutions and safe handling
3. Use of application equipments, practical instructions in apiculture, sericulture and lac-culture

        (Recommended Books)

1. Atwal, A.S. 2005. Agricultural Pests of Southeast Asia and their Management. Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana. 
2. Awastheir, V.B. 2009. Introduction to General and Applied Entomology. Scientific Publisher, Jodhpur, India. 

        (Suggested Books)

1. Duncton, P.A. 2007. The Insect: Beneficial and Harmful Aspects. Kalyani Publishers Ludhiana. 
2. Lohar, M. K. 2001. Applied Entomology, 2nd Ed. Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam Sindh, Pakistan. 
3. Mathews, G.A. 2004. Pesticide Application Methods, 3rd. Ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. N.Y.

Assessment / Evaluation Criteria

       All the students will be evaluated as follows:

      Sessional: 08 marks   Mid-term Exams: 12 marks   Practical: 20 marks   Final Exams: 20 marks

      (Total marks = 60)

      Sessional marks will be awarded based on:

• Class attendance (more than 75%)
• Assignments / Quizzes
• Active participation of students in the class

      Practical marks will include:

• A written paper
• Identification of insect pests
• Collection (Insect boxes)
• Viva Voce

Lesson Plans

1. Introduction to the course contents and recommended books etc.
2. Economic importance of insects (Beneficial and harmful aspects)
3. Reasons of insect success
4. How insects became pests / Economic levels of insect control
5. Foundations of insect control
6. Principles of insect control
7. Limitations of insect control
8.  Methods of insect control / Natural and applied control
9. Mechanical control
10. Physical control
11. Cultural control
12. Genetic and Legislative control
13. Biological control
14. Chemical control / Classification of insecticides on basis of mode of entry
15. Chemical control / Classification of insecticides on basis of mode of action and chemical nature
16. Use of pheromones
17. Identification, biology, mode of damage and control of major insect pests of sugarcane crop
18. Identification, biology, mode of damage and control of major sucking insect pests of cotton crop
19. Identification, biology, mode of damage and control of major chewing insect pests of cotton crop
20. Identification, biology, mode of damage and control of major insect pests of rice crop
21. Identification, biology, mode of damage and control of major insect pests of sorghum and maize
22. Identification, biology, mode of damage and control of major insect pests of summer vegetables
23. Identification, biology, mode of damage and control of major insect pests of winter vegetables
24. Identification, biology, mode of damage and control of major insect pests of citrus orchards
25. Identification, biology, mode of damage and control of major insect pests of mango orchards
26. Major stored grain insect and mite pests
27. Major house-hold insect pests
28. Cottage industry: Apiculture
29. Cottage industry: Sericulture and Lac-culture
30. Insecticides formulations and dose-volume calculations
31. Insecticides spray equipment: types and principles