Program Chair: Sundy Ekesi

Globally, insect farming (IF) is gaining recognition for its inherent ability to contribute to improving food and nutrition security and turning the current linear food economy into a circular and resilient food system. This technology requires limited natural resources (land, water), low investment and utilizes biowaste to produce protein-rich biomass for food and feed, in addition to generating insect-composted organic fertilizer for improved soil fertility and crop yield.

Program Chair: Isobel Ronai

Insects (and other arthropods) have a huge impact on the health of humans and animals. The One Health approach highlights that the health of humans, animals and the environment are intertwined. Only by recognizing this animal-environment-human interface can we address complex health threats, such as newly emerging infectious diseases. Entomologists are conducting important research on the determinants of zoonotic and other diseases.

Program Chairs: Hongmei Li-Byarlay and Li Tian

Insect pollinators (managed and wild) are very important for our ecosystem, agriculture and food production. However, we are facing a crisis of a decline in pollinators. By studying the diversity, behavior, ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, pathogens, parasites, and disease of pollinators, we will be able to help to improve pollinator health and conservation.

Poster submissions are now open in the following areas. The deadline to submit is Monday, February 28, 2022. Start your submission.

Tuesday, April 28

A beginning ethogram for the Comanche harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex comanche.
Ann Mayo, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; Weatherford College, Weatherford, TX

Aedes aegypti insecticide resistance in Puerto Rico.
Nicole Nazario, Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit, San Juan, PR