Lecture 1
Principles of Applied Entomology
The field of entomology may be divided into 2 major aspects.
1. Fundamental Entomology or General Entomology
2. Applied Entomology or Economic Entomology
Fundamental Entomology deals with the basic or academic aspects of the Science
of Entomology. It includes morphology, anatomy, physiology and taxonomy of the
insects. In this case we study the subject for gaining knowledge on Entomology
irrespective of whether it is useful or harmful.
Applied Entomology or Economic Entomology deals with the usefulness of the
Science of Entomology for the benefit of mankind. Applied entomology covers the
study of insects which are either beneficial or harmful to human beings. It deals
with the ways in which beneficial insects like predators, parasitoids,
pollinators or productive insects like honey bees, silkworm and lac insect can be
best exploited for our welfare. Applied entomology also studies the methods in
which harmful insects or pests can be managed without causing significant
damage or loss to us.
In fundamental entomology insects are classified based on their structure into
families and orders etc. in applied entomology insects can be classified based on
their economic importance i.e. whether they are useful or harmful.
Economic classification of insects
Insects can be classified as follows based on their economic importance.
This classification us according to TVR Ayyar.
Insects of no economic importance:-
There are many insects found in forests, and agricultural lands which neither cause
harm nor benefit us. They are classified under this category. Human beings came
into existence 1 million years ago. Insects which constitute 70-90% of all animals
present in this world came into existence 250 - 500 million years ago.
Insects of economic importance
A. Injurious insects
a) Pests of cultivated plants ( crop pests)
Each cultivated plant hatbours many insects pests which feed on them reduce the
yield of the3 crop. Field crops and horticultural crops are attacked by many insect
species. (eg) cotton bollworm, Rice stem bores.
Principles of Applied Entomology
The field of entomology may be divided into 2 major aspects.
1. Fundamental Entomology or General Entomology
2. Applied Entomology or Economic Entomology
Fundamental Entomology deals with the basic or academic aspects of the Science
of Entomology. It includes morphology, anatomy, physiology and taxonomy of the
insects. In this case we study the subject for gaining knowledge on Entomology
irrespective of whether it is useful or harmful.
Applied Entomology or Economic Entomology deals with the usefulness of the
Science of Entomology for the benefit of mankind. Applied entomology covers the
study of insects which are either beneficial or harmful to human beings. It deals
with the ways in which beneficial insects like predators, parasitoids,
pollinators or productive insects like honey bees, silkworm and lac insect can be
best exploited for our welfare. Applied entomology also studies the methods in
which harmful insects or pests can be managed without causing significant
damage or loss to us.
In fundamental entomology insects are classified based on their structure into
families and orders etc. in applied entomology insects can be classified based on
their economic importance i.e. whether they are useful or harmful.
Economic classification of insects
Insects can be classified as follows based on their economic importance.
This classification us according to TVR Ayyar.
Insects of no economic importance:-
There are many insects found in forests, and agricultural lands which neither cause
harm nor benefit us. They are classified under this category. Human beings came
into existence 1 million years ago. Insects which constitute 70-90% of all animals
present in this world came into existence 250 - 500 million years ago.
Insects of economic importance
A. Injurious insects
a) Pests of cultivated plants ( crop pests)
Each cultivated plant hatbours many insects pests which feed on them reduce the
yield of the3 crop. Field crops and horticultural crops are attacked by many insect
species. (eg) cotton bollworm, Rice stem bores.
