Insect Morphology, Systematics, Internal Anatomy & Principles of Management
History and Importance: History of Entomology in India. Factors for insect dominance in the animal kingdom. Classification of phylum Arthropoda up to classes.
Insect Morphology: Structure and modifications of insect cuticle, body segmentation. Structure of head, thorax, and abdomen. Modifications of insect antennae, mouthparts, legs, and wing venation.
Anatomy and Physiology: Structure and functions of digestive, circulatory, excretory, respiratory, nervous, and reproductive systems in insects. Sensory organs and endocrine glands.
Insect Systematics: Taxonomy and nomenclature rules. Distinguishing characters of agriculturally important insect orders and major families under Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera.
Concepts of Pest Management: Categories of pests, causes of pest outbreaks. Introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) along with basic concepts of biological, chemical, cultural, and mechanical control practices.