Entomology

MAIN MANDATE OR OBJECTIVE

To generate, adapt, and disseminate appropriate technologies for the identification, monitoring, and management of insect pests of economic importance, thereby minimising crop losses and supporting sustainable agricultural productivity.

1. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
   To identify and document insect pests of major field and horticultural crops in Zambia.
2. To study the biology, ecology, and population dynamics of key insect pests.
3. To develop, test, and promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies.
4. To screen and evaluate insecticides, botanicals, and biological control agents for pest management.
5. To monitor resistance of insect pests to pesticides and provide management recommendations.
6. To support pest surveillance and early warning systems.
7. To provide advisory and diagnostic services on insect pests to farmers, extension staff, and stakeholders.

SECTIONS WITHIN THE UNIT
Cereal Entomology

Focuses on insect pests affecting cereal crops, such as maize and sorghum. Research includes pest identification, biology, population monitoring, resistance screening, and development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Weed Science

Concentrates on the identification and management of weed pests across various crops. Activities include evaluating integrated weed management strategies, promoting sustainable control methods, and reducing crop competition and yield losses.

Root and Tuber Entomology

Deals with insect pests affecting root and tuber crops such as cassava and sweet potatoes. Activities include pest monitoring, screening crop varieties for resistance, and developing IPM strategies to protect underground crop parts.

Legume Entomology

Focuses on insect pests affecting legumes such as beans and groundnuts. Work includes studying pest population dynamics, evaluating IPM packages, and disseminating pest management technologies to farmers.

General Entomology

Covers cross-cutting pest issues and biological control interventions. Activities include monitoring pest resistance, testing chemical and biopesticide products, rearing and releasing natural enemies, and promoting biological control practices across multiple crops.

ACTIVITIES OF THE SECTION
Cereal Entomology
Biology and ecology studies of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize.
Screening maize and sorghum varieties for resistance to stem borers.
Efficacy evaluation of plant-based extracts (e.g., neem, Tephrosia, chilli) against field pests.
Development and dissemination of IPM strategies for armyworms and stem borers.
Pest surveillance and mapping of emerging invasive species.

Weed Science
Survey and identification of major weed pests affecting cereal, legume, and root crops.
Evaluation of integrated weed management strategies, including mechanical, chemical, and biological control.
Promotion of sustainable weed control practices among farmers.
Root and Tuber Entomology
Studies on insect pests affecting cassava, sweet potato, and other root crops.
Screening crop varieties for resistance to key root and tuber pests.
Development and promotion of IPM strategies for root and tuber pests.

Legume Entomology
Studies on the population dynamics and management of pests in beans, groundnuts, and other legumes.
Field evaluation of IPM packages for legume pests.
Dissemination of legume pest management technologies to farmers.

General Entomology
Monitoring fall armyworm and other emerging pests for resistance to commonly used insecticides.
Testing the efficacy of new chemical and biopesticide products against key pests.
Mass rearing a
nd release trials of natural enemies (parasitoids and predators) for biological control.
Studies on the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria for pest suppression.
On-farm demonstrations of biological control as part of IPM strategies.

SERVICES PROVIDED
Insect pest identification and advisory services for farmers, researchers, and extension officers
Diagnostic services for crop damage caused by insect pests
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Recommendations on safe and effective pest management strategies.

Capacity building and training in insect pest identification, monitoring, and IPM