Chapter 8

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

Goal:  Enhance 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.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Coordinate applied efforts in pest management across research and extension.

• Enhance applied research and teaching facilities and graduate student recruiting.

• Take the invasive weed research and graduate degree program worldwide.

Critical Resource Growth:

• Renovate space for the Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity ($1.8 million).

• Secure one endowed faculty chair in the area and first year graduate stipends.