Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
09:23
Methodology for Developing Life Tables for Sessile Insects in the Field Using the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in Cotton As a Model System
Published on: November 1, 2017
Finding the economics in economic entomology
David W Onstad1, Lisa M Knolhoff
1Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. onstad@illinois.edu
Journal of Economic Entomology
|March 4, 2009
Summary
Economic entomology research rarely includes economic evaluations of pest management strategies. Entomologists, not economists, conduct most studies, with limited external funding, highlighting a need to improve economic assessment in pest management research.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Entomology
- Economics
Background:
- Economic entomology aims to guide pest management strategies for farmers and policymakers.
- Evaluating the economic viability of pest control tactics is crucial for practical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the frequency of economic evaluations in economic entomology research.
- To identify the prevalence of external funding and the involvement of economists in these evaluations.
Main Methods:
- A survey of research papers published in economic entomology journals since 1972.
- Analysis of funding sources, including U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants.
Main Results:
- Less than 1% of published research since 1972 includes economic evaluations of pest management tactics.
- Entomologists, rather than economists, performed over 85% of these analyses.
- External funding, such as USDA grants, supported a portion of the research, but a low percentage of funded projects led to economic evaluation publications.
Conclusions:
- The discipline of economic entomology may need to increase its focus on economic evaluations to determine the true value of pest management tactics.
- Enhancing research that supports economic assessments is necessary for the field's practical impact.
