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Laboratory of Entomology, Biological and Integrated Pest Control, and Molecular Biology for Entomology

Head: Prof. Stefano Speranza

E-mail: speranza@unitus.it

A Laboratory of Entomology, Biological and Integrated Pest Control, and Molecular Biology for Entomology carries out activities aimed at studying insects and their sustainable management. The main activities include:

  1. Study of insect biology: Observation of feeding, reproductive, and behavioral habits, with a focus on insect ecology.
  2. Biological control: Identification and rearing of natural predators (such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps) to reduce harmful insect populations in agriculture, integrating biological and chemical techniques for sustainable management.
  3. Molecular biology: Genetic analysis to identify species and genetic variability, study of molecular interactions between insects and their natural enemies or host plants.
  4. Development of biological insecticides: Isolation of natural compounds and testing their efficacy and safety as biological insecticides.
  5. Monitoring of insecticide resistance: Identification of genetic mutations linked to resistance and development of strategies to prevent it.
  6. Management of vector-borne diseases: Study of insect vectors of diseases and development of control strategies to reduce disease transmission.
  7. Ecological assessment: Monitoring insect populations and analyzing the environmental impacts of agricultural practices.

Finally, the lab offers educational training and scientific outreach, promoting the use of integrated techniques for insect management.