The role of the entomologist in the phytosanitary management of agricultural and forest ecosystems

Abstract

The balance of plant and animal life in agricultural communities has become increasingly disturbed and is in a continuous state of change. In the past century, scientific investigations and applied research studies resulted in the discovery of new tools and strategies for the management of destructive insects, mites, nematodes, diseases and weeds. The discovery of new chemicals such as DDT and 2,4-D stimulated greatly the growth of human populations in the world. Many entomologists of the silent generation and born in 1920-1945, such as the late Alfio Nucifora, initiated their career under the influence of the expansion of the use of synthetic organic pesticides, which initially resulted in excellent crop response and extraordinary yield increase. However, Alfio soon became aware of the collateral negative effects of a pest management based only on chemical approaches. He also realized that a modern pest management cannot exclude the use of pesticides, which should be included into the ecosystem as compatible components of a modern agriculture. This basic concept is well reflected in his applied research work that he conducted for more than 40 years to protect the various agricultural industries of Sicily from damaging insects, mites and nematodes.