Members of the Royal Entomological Society’s Aphid Special Interest Group came together from across the country to share their findings and view the new entomology facilities on campus. 

Harper Adams is the only UK institution to teach basic and applied entomology, the scientific study of insects, at postgraduate level. This work is led by Professor of Entomology and resident aphid expert, Professor Simon Leather. 

Professor Leather, a member of the Aphid Special Interest Group, said, “We were delighted to host the meeting here at Harper Adams and hear from some of the leading experts within the field of aphid research. Aphids are important pests of agriculture and are a particular interest of mine, so it was fantastic to host the group on campus for the first time.” 

The group aims to provide a forum for discussion with current topics of interest including pest control through integrated pest management (IPM), interactions with host plants and overwintering strategies. Members meet regularly at research facilities and other venues across the UK as a sub-group of the Royal Entomological Society – which was founded in 1833. 

Professor Leather added, “Aphids are one of the many species we learn about in entomology – the scientific study of insects. We began teaching entomology here at Harper Adams two years ago and have since welcomed a host of new lecturers and researchers as well as students.” 

“We have even established our own insect collection room, known as the ‘EntoHub’, which boasts thousands of specimens from across the world; and are soon to be opening our own specialist teaching building. It’s an extremely exciting and rewarding subject and we hope that the work that we do to share this knowledge will secure the next generation of insect enthusiasts!”

Professor Leather has produced a video all about aphids, which can be viewed here.