The pest management program at Iowa State University is designed for students with a career interest in the science and technology of pest management. Students in the program conduct inter-disciplinary studies with plant diseases, insects, weeds, and other pests, emphasizing the development of management systems that are ecologically and economically sound, as well as sustainable. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is reflected in the departmental sponsors-Agronomy, Animal Ecology, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Forestry, and Horticulture. Courses of academic and practical achievement have been developed with the emphasis on new technology in plant production, plant pest control and storage of plant produce. The curriculum is designed to give students knowledge and skills applicable to agricultural development in keeping with the National Development Plan.
Subjects covered also include mushroom production, commercial apiculture and sericulture.
Cooperative research is conducted on both national and international projects. The Department also has extension and training programs for the public. Students gain more practical experiences by working on farms and in laboratories, attending seminars, studying special problems and taking part in agricultural tours. They will be qualified for careers in both private and government sectors, running their own businesses, or continuing their studies. Insect pest management can be defined as the practice of preventing or suppressing damaging populations of insect pests by application of the comprehensive and coordinated integration of multiple control tactics.