Insects are the most diverse and abundant organisms on Earth, and as such they play essential roles in all terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural systems. Their influence is particularly pronounced in the tropics, where the richness of insect diversity is unmatched and their impact on agriculture is both beneficial and detrimental. This course provides a structured overview of general and systematic entomology, introducing students to insect morphology, physiology, classification, and ecology, with a special focus on tropical agriculture.
In tropical environments, insects act not only as major pests of staple crops but also as pollinators, decomposers, and natural enemies of harmful species, thereby shaping the productivity and resilience of agricultural systems. Special attention will be devoted to the four megadiverse insect orders - Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Diptera - each of which contains species of considerable economic and ecological significance. Students will learn to recognise key groups of beneficial and harmful insects, understand their life cycles, and evaluate their functions in agroecosystems.
All topics are discussed in both ecological and evolutionary contexts, with an emphasis on how insect-plant and insect-insect interactions drive agricultural outcomes. The course further explores strategies for pest management and biological control, highlighting sustainable approaches to farming in tropical regions. By completing the course, students will gain not only a theoretical foundation in tropical agroentomology but also practical skills relevant for research, development projects, and applied agricultural practice.
The course consists of 9 theoretical lectures and 3 practical/seminar work (online group discussion, individual and/or group assignment). Self-study will be supported by selection of relevant literature sources and interactive feedback tools.
Lectures:
- Phylogeny and Evolution of Insects: Who are and who are not Insects
- External anatomy of Insects
- Internal anatomy of Insects
- Insect brain and sensory ecology, perception and communication
- Apterygota and Hemimetabola
- Holometabola
- Pest Insects
- Beneficial Insects
- Principles of crop protection
Seminars:
- Introduction, student project assignment and discussion about actual agroecological topics
- Progress meeting
- Student project presentations
