USDA Entomology Research Division Reprints

Collection

Identifier: MS0237

Staff Only

Content Description

The USDA Entomology Research Division Reprints consist of articles written by employees in collaboration with other scientists about various aspects of entomology. These records include reprints of articles, a majority of which are about the use of pesticides to control insects.

Dates

Creation: 1939-1971
Creation: Majority of material found within 1951-1959

Conditions Governing Access

Contact Special Collections for access.

Organizational History

The Entomology Research Division (ERD) existed under the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) from 1953 to 1971. Edward F. Knipling, a pioneer in insect eradication techniques and principles, served as the division director for the entire existence of the ERD. One of the major areas of research during the ERD years was screwworm eradication. The division was abolished in 1972, and its research functions were assigned to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entomology research was originally conducted by the Division of Entomology beginning in 1863. Early heads of this division included Townend Glover and Charles Valentine Riley. Early research included the development of insect control and eradication practices, as well as the identification of insects and their life cycles. In 1904, the Division of Entomology was raised to bureau status, and research greatly expanded to include many more laboratories around the United States and the creation of new inspection procedures to prevent insect pest infestation. In 1934, the Bureau of Entomology merged with the Bureau of Plant Quarantine to form the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine in order to address related research topics. After the USDA reorganization of 1953, entomology research was placed under its own division of the ARS.