OVERVIEW
 


Overview


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.

 

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.

 


Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Tel: + 27 21 808-4775 Fax: + 27 21 808-4807