The Center conducts research aimed at reducing or eliminating the harm caused by insects to crops, stored products, livestock and humans.  Research is directed not only at the insects themselves but at pathogens they may transmit and at identifying inherent protective mechanisms in plants.

The Center has four research units.  Although each unit has specific goals, there are several commonalities.  CMAVE work emphasizes both control and prevention.  Effective prevention depends on developing rapid, sensitive methods for detection and surveillance.  Second, all our research includes a basic component, because historically the best methods of protection come from understanding how things work at the molecular level.  Third, CMAVE work emphasizes biological and integrated pest management techniques that put less pressure on the environment and may be self-sustaining.  Finally, all CMAVE scientists strive to be both sensitive to the needs of American agriculture and committed to transferring their discoveries to field as rapidly as possible.

Kenneth Linthicum (Center Director)