Some Problems in Econmic Entomology

Abstract

The life of the Entomologist is crowded with problems and the larger the organization the more difficult becomes their proper solution. Under present conditions and probably for a long time in the future the satisfactory control of introduced pests that are destructive to crops or seriously effect human welfare will require the best efforts of the economic entomologists. The public will demand and will require that remedies be found to relieve serious losses. Research must discover effective control measures that can be applied in a practical way or the work of the Entomologist is doomed to failure. So far as foreign pests that may at any time be brought to this country are concerned. every effort should be made to secure full information relative to their biology and habits before they arrive here. This is a field that has been given little attention. There is no question but that all information that can be secured along this line will prove extremely useful to American entomologists in the future. The success of economic entomology in this country rests largely with the Entomologists themselves. Under present conditions most of the research and control are directed by government, state or provincial activities and largely on account of lack of uniformity of laws and regulations' perfect cooperation is seldom secured. It cannot be too often repeated that “cooperation” means more than mere written agreements. It is a state of mind which will bring about mutual assistance in order that the problem at hand can be effectively solved. In the business world where profits are the major consideration results have been obtained by frequent consolidations and centralized control. The same results should be secured by the entomologists by wise leadership backed by effective cooperation. This association is or should be the great clearing house where all entomologists can freely exchange views and arrive at a common understanding. Its development should be fashioned so that it will become increasingly effective in this respect, and the accomplishment of this purpose will tax the best efforts of the membership.