theENTomologist

Hi there, Dr. Wilson. I'm currently getting ready to start looking for graduate work in entomology, although I am facing a bit of a dilemma.

A lot of the work which I am most fond of involves the pursuit of alternative methods of control. I'm fascinated by tri-trophic interactions and looking at better ways to use them to provide non-chemical pest control.

Of course, in recent times, work has been harder to find in those areas- chemical controls and genetic modifications are much more profitable for producers right now, although it seems that more efforts are being made towards promoting environmental stability and endorsing these "green methods" of crop growth.

So, basically my question is this:

Do you think that these trends towards alternative control methods and more environmentally friendly practices are going to continue, creating more opportunities for people with interests like mine, or would you guess that chemical controls and genetic engineering are ultimately prove too difficult to replace?

Thanks so much for your time!

There have been a lot more studies coming out that seem to be placing more and more blame on pesticides, especially neonicitinoids (sp?)