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1900's
In 1899 a Legislative Act authorized the employment of an “expert entomologist” by the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, resulting in the establishment of the Department of Entomology. Frederick W. Mally was hired that year to establish a department and devise controls for insect pests, especially the boll weevil. During the period 1899-1902, Mally established teaching and research programs in entomology. -
1910's
Wilmon Newell became head of the academic Department of Entomology as well as of the Division of Entomology in the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (TAES) in 1910. Newell resigned in 1915 but later resigned and Sherman W. Bilsing bacame head of the department of entomology. He initiated a strong instructional program and was responsible for increasing the number of courses and improving the curriculum in entomology. -
1920's
During the 1920’s the cotton fleahopper caused considerable damage throughout Texas, resulting in a substantial appropriation by the Texas State Legislature for research and control of this pest. These funds allowed for the employment of additional entomologists. In 1923 the department was moved temporarily to the Mechanical Engineering building. An apicultural research laboratory was established at San Antonio, -
1930's
The depression of the early 1930’s took its toll on the department. Research continued through the decade of the 1930’s.The major cotton pests—boll weevils, bollworms, pink bollworms, and fleahoppers—were the main targets of research on life histories and control. -
1940's
The events surrounding World War II obviously had a great impact on the momentum being developed in the previous decade.The most marked change that occurred during the 1940’s, however, was the reorganization of the various services within the entomology department.This had momentous effect on the people and programs in entomology, especially since several faculty and staff were just returning for military service and were re-starting their programs. -
1950's
A new era of entomology was beginning. Members of the department became heavily involved in the use of chemicals for insect control. So many new pesticides were being introduced that much of the entomologist’s time was required simply to test these new materials.The end of the 1950’s marked a realization within the department that basic and applied research was essential for a forward-looking entomological program in the department. -
1960's
Entomologists were beginning to recognize that other approaches to controlling insects must be considered.Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, published in 1962, aroused public concern about he dangers of overuse and misuse of pesticides. By the beginning of the 1960’s, much of the research in the department was being geared to finding alternative solutions to insect control. -
1970's
The 1970’s can properly be called the “Integrated Pest Management” decade in the history of the department.It was during this decade that integrated methods of control were developed and implemented; members of the department played a large role in this process. -
1980's
By the beginning of the 1980’s, the department had developed a large and diverse IPM program statewide.The department had grown rapidly throughout the 1970’s, and its IPM programs were well-known. Although these activities were extensive, there was need for basic research in several areas to bolster the applied programs.By the end of the 1980’s, the specialized fields of insect physiology, pathology and toxicology were well established. -
1990's
The decade of the 1990’s has proven to be one of considerable change in the entomological field. New technologies opened many opportunities for research and solutions to insect problems. There was a call for renewed dedication to teaching, particularly at the undergraduate level. Several new research and extension projects were initiated during the 1990’s.