MISSION
AND VISION
The
vision of the Department of Entomology is …
- to
develop and maintain a centre of excellence in research, teaching
and service delivery which provides the stimulus for greater understanding
of the rich tapestry of insect and other invertebrate life, with
particular reference to the greater agricultural landscape. This
includes managing economically important insects, while at the
same time, conserving all aspects of indigenous biodiversity.
The mission
of the Department of Entomology is …
- to
develop a teaching and research thrust in three main areas: 1)
basic and applied entomology, 2) landscape ecology and biodiversity
conservation, 3) special topics that explore new ideas;
-
to maintain strong entomological and nematological ties with the
agricultural crop production sector, especially tree crops, as
our knowledge partners;
- to
develop methods of environmentally-sound, integrated pest management
that take cognisance of the whole landscape;
-
to develop novel approaches for biodiversity conservation, with
special reference to agricultural biodiversity;
-
to inspire students through teaching and guidance so that they
derive joy from and acquire knowledge in the field of insect biology
and diversity; and
- to
impart knowledge and inspiration to all sectors of society on
the importance of insects for the well-being of ecological processes
Interactions
with the outside world
A strong
and active collaboration exists between the Department and agricultural
producers, the latter relying to a large extent on expertise gained
by study and research in the Department. In the field of applied
entomology, the Department is central as educators and researchers
in acarology, entomology. Strong links exist between the Department
and the various stake holders and role players in the fruit industry,
including the Deciduous Fruit Producer's Trust, Citrus Research
International and Nietvoorby-Infruitech of the Agricultural Research
Council, amongst others. International contacts are many, and are
particularly strong in the field of insect conservation biology.
There are strong links in particular with the World Conservation
Union and Worldwide Fund for Nature.
Biodiversity
conservation
With
an estimated loss of 7-30 species of insects per week worldwide
and possible imminent extinction of 25% of them, it is crucial that
there is focus on conservation of these irreplaceable organisms.
This is especially so for Stellenbosch University, which is situated
in the heart of a world biodiversity hotspot. Furthermore, it is
essential now that we grow export crops in a biodiversity-friendly
way.
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Funding
sources
The
Department receives funding from, amongst others, the National Research
Foundation, the University of Stellenbosch, Working for Water Programme,
Citrus Research International, Deciduous Fruit Producer's Trust,
the Molteno Trust and WWF South Africa.
Editorial
boards
The
Department is engaged in many editorial activities and members of
staff are on the Editorial Boards of African Entomology, Biodiversity
and Conservation, Conservation Biology, Journal of Insect Conservation,
Metamorphosis and Odonatologica.
Facilities
The
Department is housed in the JS Marais-building, close to the centre
of the campus and student amenities. The Department has substantial
facilities for training and research in applied and conservation
entomology and houses a fairly large insect collection, including
the largest leafhopper collection in Africa. Facilities include
a large cold room, numerous growth chambers, laboratories with modern
equipment and breeding rooms.
History
The
Department of Entomology in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
was founded in 1919. During the initial years teaching, research
and extension services were mainly focused on agricultural insect
pests in the Western Cape, the Department forming an integral part
of the Elsenburg Agricultural College and the governmental Department
of Agriculture. After World War II, the Department started to expand,
not only in student numbers, but also in activities. Taxonomic studies
were started on the aphids of South Africa and subsequently also
on scale insects and leafhoppers, the emphasis being on actual and
potential agricultural pests, as well as ecological studies on insects
in Fynbos. However, in line with developments elsewhere, greater
emphasis was placed on applied entomology in the Western Cape.
During
the last 15 years, ecological studies of fynbos insects have continued.
Meanwhile, applied research activities have concentrated on enhancement
of natural enemies of mite and insect pests in the context of Integrated
Pest Management on especially pome fruit in the Western Cape. Systematic
studies on Lepidoptera, especially on Zygaenoidea, in the Cape Fynbos,
and the study of Permian fossil insects of southern Africa are other
research activities in the Department. More recently, systematic
work is concentrating on molecular and morphological studies of
South African fruit pests and behavioural studies on fruit flies.
With the recent appointment of Prof MJ Samways, greater emphasis
is now being placed on the conservation of insects and other invertebrates,
restoration of disturbed landscapes, landscape ecology and ecology
of dragonflies, with considerable international associations.
The
Department has trained a steady number of entomologists, many continuing
their studies at the postgraduate level. In line with international
trends, the Department has hosted postgraduate students from Africa
and beyond.
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