Insects sit at the heart of agricultural production systems and how we manage them has profound implications for food security, human health and the environment.
The Applied Entomology Group is a team of academic staff and researchers studying the biology, ecology and management of insects and allied invertebrates. Our focus is the sustainable management of invertebrate pests in global crop production systems using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and practices.
By reducing reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides, our work contributes to improved human health, environmental protection and the long-term viability of agricultural production systems to ensure food security and safety.
Our research takes place in the dedicated Jean Jackson Applied Entomology Laboratory within the Centre for Crop and Environmental Science. Research ranges from molecular work under controlled environmental conditions to field and glasshouse trials on the Harper Adams University Future Farm and at sites with industry and academic collaborators globally.
Research contact 01952 81 5113
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Visit our Applied Entomology page on LinkedIn:
Our multidisciplinary group reflects the central role that insects and allied invertebrates have in global food security. We develop IPM-compatible tools that may be used to prevent, identify, monitor and intervene to manage crop pests when necessary. We are also developing automate monitoring and decision-support systems to help growers deploy these tools effectively, achieving the best possible outcomes for productivity, society and the environment.
As a group we have extensive skills and experience in insect taxonomy, data science, molecular biology, insect behaviour and physiology, analytical chemistry, insecticide resistance and biopesticides. We take our work from laboratory to field and work with a wide range of stakeholders including farmers, policy makers, NGOs, other universities and research institutes, and manufacturers of crop protection products both here in the UK and internationally.
Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
To me, to you - developing a push-pull system for sustainable management of aphid pests in seed and ware potato crops
Enhancing Biological Pest Control: Learning Mechanisms and Olfactory Conditioning in Parasitoid Wasps
CSFB Research+: Developing a comprehensive programme for cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) management in oilseed rape
Loading research staff...
Staff in the Entomology Group carry out research in applied and ecological entomology, including sustainable crop protection tools (macro biological controls, biopesticides, novel pesticides, smart monitoring traps etc) and fundamental theory in ecology and evolution (plant-insect interactions mediated through plant secondary metabolites). Examples of current and past projects can be found in our project and publications listings. Our strength is our ability to take molecular studies through to whole organism and field-based research. Work can be completed to ORETO standards if required.
We offer consultation and collaboration for those planning to undertake applied or ecological entomology research, for example:
We have experience supporting research, knowledge exchange, and knowledge transfer.
If you would like to discuss how we can support your project or enterprise, please contact us.
Saddle gall midge (Haplodiplosis marginata)
Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)
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