Speciation Genomics in an Obligate Fig Pollination Mutualism
Centre for Crop and Environmental Science
Entomology Group
Why is entomology research important?
Entomology research is vital for understanding the complex relationships between insects and the environment, addressing agricultural challenges, promoting human health, and contributing to the overall well-being of ecosystems.
The Entomology Group is a team of academic staff and researchers studying the biology, ecology, and management of insects and allied invertebrates. Our group is sub-divided into Applied Entomology and Ecological Entomology.
The Applied Entomology sub-group focuses on the sustainable management of invertebrate pests in global crop production systems using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and practices.
The Ecological Entomology sub-group focuses on management of habitats and populations for conservation, understanding the patterns and processes driving invertebrate diversity on local, regional and global scales, and the responses of invertebrates to environmental change.
Entomology research takes place in a dedicated entomology research laboratory within the Centre for Crop and Environmental Science and ranges from work on genetic diversity to laboratory work under controlled environmental conditions alongside field and glasshouse trials on the Harper Adams Future Farm and externally with industry and academic collaborators.
Contact us
Research contact 01952 81 5113
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Group lead
Our expertise
Our multidisciplinary group reflects the many and varied ways in which insects and allied invertebrates influence the world in which we live and in-turn how human activities affect the distribution and existence of many of these species. Within the Applied Entomology sub-group we develop integrated pest management (IPM) tools and the IPM programmes in which they can be used. The Ecological sub-group focuses on the conservation and protection of valuable ecosystem service providers, the advancement of fundamental theory in ecology and evolution, and the evolution of global biodiversity.
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 the 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
Mutualism between acacia trees and ants
Research highlights
Speciation Genomics in an Obligate Fig Pollination Mutualism
'Catch me if you can' – improving monitoring and control of black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) in soft fruit and ornamental crops
Potential of biopesticides and optimising use of conventional insecticides for control of cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala)
Meet the team
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What can we do for you?
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:
- testing plant protection products.
- investigating plant-insect interactions.
- semiochemical research.
- insect behaviour assays.
- data analysis and reporting support.
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.
Field sampling, Flatford Mill, Suffolk, UK
Peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae)
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