Insect-Human Connection

How does this insect affect critical issues?

Aphidius colemani is an incredible parasitoid wasp whose entire reproductive cycle depends on the destruction of aphids. Every year, aphids wreak hundreds of millions of dollars in damage of crops. It’s one of the most prominent pest farmers have to control in order for their crop to grow healthy, with good yield and be marketable.

What is the relationship between entomology. technology, and society?

It’s important to remember that insects are an integral part of the ecosystem. Getting a better understanding of their roles as beneficials and predators, coupled with new technologies being implemented in agriculture- farmers could yield better crops with smarter farming- which means better food on our tables and being sold in our markets. It's not just an agricultural issue, but an economic and human health issue. Everyone eats, and so better farming will always benefit society.

What other fields or aspects of society that are affected by this critical issue?

It is not just the farmer that suffers from this kind of crop loss and devastation. The consumers, everyday people are affected as well. Crop loss can mean a disruption in the supply chain, not just for the produce we buy, but the many products those same crops are used for in manufacturing- jams, yogurts, ice creams, etc. Everyone eats, so this issue is of equal concern to everyone. Using natural predators is already a step toward thinking outside the box when it comes to integrated pest management. Not everything has to come down to chemicals and sprays. Trying new ideas is going to lead us down new paths of discovery, which can only lead to more diverse knowledge.

How does this issue affect the insect-human relationship?

This issue brings together both aspects because there is the negative- the aphid that acts as a pest and the positive- its predator that will eradicate it without harming your crop. It’s a mutually beneficial win for the farmer and the predator. One critical perspective could be that this process may take too long, and crops can get lost in the meantime. Parasitoid wasps can work quickly, but if the aphid infestation gets worse or is caught too late, the predator will do minimal damage to the problem. These wasps must be part of a management plan, preventative to stomp out aphids before they become a real problem. They are effective, but some would argue not effective enough against certain infestations.