Insect Ecology and Pest Management
IEPM LABORATORY
Insect Ecology and Pest Management
Applied ecological research to understand insect dynamics, develop sustainable pest management strategies, and support agricultural systems through science-based solutions.
- Insect pest surveillance and risk mapping
- Ecological thresholds and pest population dynamics
- Organic and bio-intensive pest management strategies
- Climate change and insect ecology
- Insect rearing and experimental ecology
- Farmer-oriented extension and outreach services
LEADERSHIP
Laboratory In-charge
Dr. Sujan Dawadi, Assistant Professor
Organic Agriculture Program
Email: sujan.dawadi@mbust.edu
INFRASTRUCTURE
Laboratory Setup In progress
Laboratory Setup
Upcoming Compound Microscope
Upcoming Laminar Flow Hood
Upcoming Light Trap
Upcoming Growth Chamber
Upcoming Centrifuge
Research Output
Upcoming Research in IEPM Laboratory
Survey and Surveillance of Insect Pests in Mid-Hills for Pest Risk Mapping
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sujan Dawadi
Objective: Develop spatial pest risk maps of major insect pests
Approach: Field surveys + GIS modeling
Topographic Threshold and Ecology of Citrus Psylla
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sujan Dawadi
Objective: Identify altitude and climate thresholds affecting pest dynamics
Approach: Field ecology + controlled experiments
Bio-intensive Organic Pest Management in Chitlang
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sujan Dawadi
Objective: Develop sustainable pest management models
Approach: Field trials + farmer collaboration
Development of MBUST Ag Doctor / Inspector App
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sujan Dawadi
Objective: Digital pest identification and advisory system
Approach: AI-assisted diagnosis + database development
Mushroom Fruit Fly Phenology and Economic Threshold Level (ETL) Study
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sujan Dawadi
Objective: Understand seasonal dynamics and damage thresholds
Approach: Controlled rearing + field validation
Substrate Modification for Mushroom Fly Management
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sujan Dawadi
Objective: Develop repellent or resistant substrate compositions
Approach: Experimental trials in controlled environments
(Call Open)
Students Involved in Research
Call for Students
- Field surveys and ecological data collection
- Laboratory-based insect rearing and experiments
- Research design and experimental setup
- Participate in conferences
- Research and review article writing
Collaborators (Planned and Potential)
§ Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)
§ Local municipalities and farmer groups/communities
§ Mushroom Industries
§ Agriculture extension agencies
§ International research institutions (future collaboration)
§ Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU)
Vision of IEPM Laboratory
- Sustainable agriculture
- Scientific innovation
- Farmer-centered solutions
COMMUNITY
Social Media Handle
@IEPM Lab on LinkedIn and @iepm2026 on Instagram.