The Department of Agricultural Biology focuses its teaching, research and outreach missions in four program areas each of which involves all three of the Department’s disciplinary roots in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science. These programs are: 1) Genomics and Molecular Biology, 2) Ecology and Biodiversity, 3) Biology and Management of Invasive Species, and 4) Integrated Pest Management
. We emphasize knowledge of pests and related organisms and the roles that they play in ecological, economic and social systems and the application of such knowledge to developing economically and environmentally sound solutions for practical problems. Being interdisciplinary in nature, the Department values cooperative and collaborative efforts with other units within the University, as well as other relevant entities in the State and beyond. The Department plays a critical role in addressing many of the College of Agricultural Sciences priorities, particularly those in: 1) Fundamental research in the mechanisms of plant biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, plant genetics, and genomics of crop plants, and their pests and pathogens. 2) Fundamental and applied research and outreach on cropping systems. And 3) Fundamental and applied research and outreach related to landscapes designed and managed to enhance the environment in and around where people live, work, and recreate. In addition, the Department is heavily involved in supporting the broader life sciences curriculum at Colorado State University. In the broadest sense we teach and serve all of those affected by insects, plant pathogens, and weeds and those desiring knowledge of their biology, ecology, and management. Those served include Colorado State University students, other faculty, extension personnel, commodity groups, agricultural industries, and many other state and regional entities.
