Entomology at the Land Grant University: Perspectives from the Texas A&M University Department Centenary

Preface

P Entomology departments, which form a component of all Colleges of Agriculture within Land Grant institutions in the United States, have acted as either catalysts for change or as resultant examples of these changes in agricultural science and technology. Departments of Entomology also serve a unique function within Colleges of Agriculture by contributing significantly to the teaching, research, and service missions of their institutions. Within the context of changing demographics, land-use patterns, environmental issues, agriculture, and the life sciences, departments of Entomology are frequently cited as models to providing leadership to the missions of universities, the economies of private industry, and the overall improvement of human society . In , the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University celebrated its th anniversary as an organized unit on the College Station campus. This celebration represented a time for both reflection of past accomplishments and planning for future challenges. To accomplish these tasks, the Department sponsored a series of mini-symposia to study entomological issues of academic, scientific, economic, and social importance. A product of these symposia is this edited volume in which symposia participants have contributed chapters representing a perspective on central themes. Several issues characterized by Entomology Departments and important to the Land Grand University System are covered in this text. Key elements within Land Grant University departments are how they programmatically address teaching the general public at the undergraduate and graduate levels; retain responsibilities to the citizenry of their state that range across traditional agricultural and newly emerging urban clientele; obtain a balanced, innovative, and productive research program; and develop a clear vision of the future and a realistic path to making that vision become reality. By comparison with many other academic departments associated with life sciences, the physical sciences, or humanities, Entomology departments represent a mixture of professionals with highly varied responsibilities. A large umbrella in terms of philosophy, administration, and execution is needed to accomplish such a diversity of tasks. Is having such diversity a benefit or detriment to Entomology? How do Entomology departments excel in each of the areas? How are the conflicting demands resolved? How does the clientele served perceive the various areas of specialization? Important perspectives to these issues, which transcend all orders of organization, are also addressed. The delivery of science-based knowledge to the public is a charge of Cooperative Extension Service, and in this role, Extension Entomology will continue to provide an invaluable service to our country. However, modern Cooperative Extension Services face many challenges in providing leadership in education on important issues, retaining flexibility to respond to everchanging issues, and continue delivering services and programs in areas of strength. Addressed are how Extension handles controversial topics in agriculture , retains value in an increasingly diversified world, aligns technology transfer with the needs of end-users, and executes its initiative to provide education about key issues. Due to their small size, short generation time, high reproductive capacity , and genetic diversity, insects have been model systems for the advancement of science. In addition, global policy is to have Integrated Pest Management (IPM) be practiced on the majority of the agricultural lands. Entomology has historically been the leader in developing IPM programs using a variety of approaches that include biological control, host plant resistance , pest-reducing cultural practices, chemical control, and other methodologies . IPM finds its scientific basis in applied ecology; however, this connection between ecology and pest management has been taken for granted. Pest problem-solving based purely on empiricism is limited, and only through the study, development, and implementation of ecological principles , as they relate to pest populations, can we better forecast how introductions of new pests or modifications of production practices influence IPM. These topics are discussed in a section addressing the field of entomology as a model for IPM research and for the advancement of science. Entomology departments in U.S. universities originated from the need to improve food and fiber production. Traditional Entomology students prepared for careers in agriculture and related fields, and the curriculum offered by Entomology departments was framed to meet the needs of those students. However, there has been a significant, rapid, and fundamental shift in the student population in many U.S. institutions over the past fifteen years. The pool of students interested in taking entomology courses at Land Grant institutions has changed. Larger numbers of students are coming from urban or suburban areas and fewer students have agricultural backgrounds. Today, students are interested in programs...