Insects dominate the faunas of all the continents, are the major component of the earth's biodiversity, and are essential intermediate prey consumers in all terrestrial and fresh water food webs. Insects also directly affect human welfare by competing with us for our food and fibre. Insects cause famine, infest livestock and transmit disease.
Insects also infest our homes and damage our household goods.
A major concern of the Department is to train competent scientists who are well versed in theoretical concepts and well trained in applied techniques. All aspects of basic and applied research dealing with insects, mites, spiders and their relatives are supported by the Department. Both basic and applied studies are built upon sound theoretical foundations. Basic studies focus on the biology, behaviour, ecology, systematics and physiology of arthropods. Applied studies focus on the pests of economic importance to agriculture, urban development and stored products.