Insects live in almost all terrestrial and freshwater habitats and more than 800,000 species are currently known. Because they can adapt to various environments and have high reproductive potential, insects often cause serious damage to crops. The Division of Insect Sciences investigates insect hormones and pheromones, and interactions between pest insects and their host plants, predators and microbes to develop new insect growth regulators and basic technologies for integrated pest management.

　
Director:
Takashi NODA
E-mail: nodat@affrc.go.jp

• Insect Growth Regulation Research Unit
  Studying the mechanisms of molting, metamorphosis, reproduction and diapauses.
• Insect-Plant Interaction Research Unit
  Studying plant defense chemicals and proteins against insects, and sap sucking mechanisms by sucking insects.
• Insect Interaction Research Unit
  Studying the chemicals and communication mechanisms controlling behaviors of pest insects and their natural enemies.
• Insect-Microbe Research Unit
  Studying the interaction between arthropods and associated microorganisms, and transmission mechanisms of plant pathogenic viruses.