This is an introductory class on insect ecology. During the course you will learn about insect interactions with, and adaptations to, their environment and other organisms, and the importance of insect roles in our ecosystems. This course includes in-person lectures, small group discussions and outside readings.

This course explores insect-plant interactions within agroecosystems, focusing on how agricultural practices influence insect populations and pest outbreaks. Key concepts in sustainable pest management will be covered, with an emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

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Students will gain insight into the role of sensory cues and signals in mediating interactions within and between species. There will be a primary, but not exclusive, focus on chemical signaling in interactions among plants, insects and microbes. The course will focus on the discussion of current literature addressing key conceptual questions and state-of-the-art research techniques and methods.

The focus is on the potential to assess strategies and tactics of pest management, in view of the demands from the economy, environment and society. Significant management measures will be explained using practical examples, such as surveillance and forecasting, resistance management, biological control as well as the use of plant protection products, incl. regulatory aspects and ecotoxicology.