Chapter 9

Science and Management of Pest Insects, Plant Pathogens and Weeds:

Goal: 

Colorado State University will enhance its focus and depth in undergraduate education, graduate education, research, and outreach in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science; be recognized as a primary source of pest management expertise in Colorado and the Mountain West region; and be recognized internationally for research and graduate education in genetic determinants of host plant resistance, fundamental mechanisms of biological invasions, and ecology, bioinformatics, genomics, and population genetics of pests. Undergraduate education will include contributions of courses to undergraduate agricultural degrees and introductions to plants, insects, and agriculture to the university’s core curriculum. Graduate education and research will provide fundamental and applied science regarding pest species (their taxonomy, genomics, population genetics, and ecology) and pest management that is environmentally sound and economically effective. Outreach will include applied research and education relevant to emerging issues of Colorado’s agricultural industries, including biosecurity, safe and effective pesticide use, and implementation of effective pest management strategies that do not rely on pesticides, as well as providing the primary source of pesticide applicator training in Colorado.

Strategic Actions:

• Coordinate applied efforts in pest management across research and extension.
• Enhance applied research and teaching facilities and graduate student recruiting.
• Add faculty strength in Integrated Pest Management of invasive species, vegetable crops, specialty crops, organic and sustainable agriculture.
• Take the Bioagricultural invasions (insects, plant pathogens, and weeds) research and graduate degree program worldwide.
• Secure placement of the Gilette Museum in renovated/new building space.
• Develop MS degree (non-thesis) in Integrated Pest Management (modern diagnostic techniques).

Critical Resource Growth Needs:

• Renovate space for the Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity ($1.8 million).
• Secure at least one endowed faculty chair(s) in the December 6, 2007 or build new office and research laboratory space for two new faculty positions.