28-09-2017, 11:51 AM
Controlling insects and other arthropods has become an increasingly complex issue over the last two decades. Minimizing losses due to pests of insects and insects vectors of important plant, animal and human diseases remains an essential component of the programs of the Office of Agricultural Entomology. However, the deleterious effects associated with the use of chemicals, such as the development of insect resistance to insecticides, poisonous residues in food, human diseases associated with pesticide applications, contamination should be reduced or eliminated. of soil and water and the decrease of biotic diversity. As a result, much emphasis has been placed on tactics other than chemical controls, including biological, cultural and genetic methods and the deployment of pest-resistant varieties. A reevaluation of the economic thresholds of insect pests and vectors and the concurrent development of models capable of generating management strategies are a direct result of the need to reduce our dependence on chemical controls. The concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), introduced in the late 1950s and most widely practiced during the 1970s and 1980s, remains the viable and preferable approach to reducing the constraints caused by pests. In addition, the MPI is currently the model on which the concept of sustainable agriculture can be structured.
The Office of Agricultural Entomology is responsible for developing environmentally sound and economically sound methods of integrated pest management in Illinois. Comprised of research scientists, extension specialists and support staff, the office is funded through the College of Agriculture and History Survey Natural of Illinois. These two institutions collaborate through the Office of Agricultural Entomology to solve problems related to the art of Illinois citizens.