Mississippi State University News Bureau (662) 325-3442Contact: Bob Ratliff[email protected]
Mississippi State research provides relief for those with an itch for bugs
STARKVILLE, Miss.--When it comes to bugs, most people swat them, a few collect them and a dedicated handful of Mississippi State University researchers grow them.
In addition to spending time daily cultivating their "crops" in a sophisticated complex completed recently on the west side of campus, MSU entomologists are eager to share both the facility and their knowledge with other scientists and the general public.
The new building was built with funds provided by the MSU-based Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. Among its features: a laboratory boasting a hospital-type air filtration system and ample space for a variety of growing environments.
Frank Davis, an MSU emeritus adjunct professor, said Mississippi State's bug rearing efforts began in the 1960s as a joint effort by university scientists and U.S. Department of Agriculture entomologists involved in a study of cotton pest control.
"Originally, USDA focused on the boll weevil and the university grew bollworms and tobacco budworms in a facility dubbed the 'worm shed,'" the former USDA entomologist explained.
Davis said the original boll weevil research conducted at MSU resulted in two major achievements: a near-elimination in the South of the boll weevil as an economic threat to cotton and the implementation of environmentally friendly methods to control crop-destroying worms.
Davis said crop pest control remains an important part of MSU's entomological efforts. Unlike in the past, however, today's research focuses on an increasing demand by private companies and public laboratories for bugs grown for specific uses.
Ladybugs and other insects used to control garden pests and butterflies sought by creative event coordinators for release at weddings are among some of the commercial applications he cited.
In response to a volume of inquiries about insect rearing, the university in September is offering a third workshop on topics ranging from the production of moth food to insect egg collection to specialized rearing equipment. A similar pair of workshops last fall drew nearly 50 participants from the U.S. and seven other countries.
Davis said participants at the first event included the representative of a Swiss-based company that grows ladybugs and other insects for commercial uses and a USDA technician who grows moths to help evaluate plant resistance.
"There really is a wide range of applications for the expertise we provide," he added.
Davis said the demand for insect-rearing workshops and addition of the new lab have prompted the university to consider adding an insect-rearing course to the academic entomology curriculum.
"This would make Mississippi State the first school to offer an insect-rearing class as part of an entomology program," he said. "We feel it would meet both industry needs and provide a foundation for students interested in an important part of 21st century insect pest management." -30-
NEWS EDITORS/DIRECTORS: For additional information, contact Dr. Davis at (662) 325-2983 or [email protected].
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