916309 Genetics aspects in entomology

Type
Lecture and exercise
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Stauffer, Christian
Organisation
Offered in
Wintersemester 2024/25
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Thanks to its many interrelationships with other disciplines, genetics has become increasingly important over the last decade. In entomology, genetics, particularly population genetics has helped us to better understand and deal with insect pests and the problems they cause. Genetics enables us to understand why those characteristics and responses which determine the pest status of an insect species e.g. mosquito vector functions, host plant specificity, generation numbers, behavioural patterns. This often underpins strategies for prevention and control, vary from region to region. Specific pathotypes and reaction types can be defined and identified genetically, so that the epidemic potential of a population can be estimated. The results can then be taken into account in pest management. Various biological control methods are based on insect genetics (incompatibility, semi-sterility) and, more recently, the development of recombinant organisms (e.g. viruses) has shown considerable promise in pest control. The ability to identify and isolate genes has enabled us to improve our understanding of those aspects of pest biology and ecology which are of great importance to applied entomology, e.g. development of resistance, host-parasite relationships and ontogenetic development processes.
Previous knowledge expected

Basic knowledge in genetics and on the other hand in entomlogy is benefical e.g. lectures 916 121 Genetic basis of biodiversity and 916108 Forest Entomology.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

This lecture series teaches students about the development of genetics in entomology. Besides the lecture units students have to present a topic in genetics within entomology. Topics will be sent in the beginning of the semester.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.