Institutional History

Department of Plant Protection

The Department of Plant Protection at Akdeniz University Faculty of Agriculture initiated its undergraduate program in the 1987–1988 academic year, followed by its Master's degree program in 1988–1989, and its Ph.D. program in 1993–1994.

Fields of Study

The Department of Plant Protection consists of two sub-departments: Entomology and Phytopathology. Research in Entomology focuses on insects, mites, and nematodes, whereas Phytopathology focuses on fungi, bacteria, viruses, and weeds.

In addition to developing management methods to mitigate yield losses caused by plant diseases and pests in agricultural crops, the department conducts research on regional fauna and flora.

The undergraduate curriculum provides fundamental agricultural knowledge alongside comprehensive training in the diagnosis of economically significant pests and diseases affecting crop production. It emphasizes control strategies within the framework of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.

Facilities

The department utilizes classrooms of various capacities and one undergraduate microscopy laboratory for instructional purposes. For research activities, the department houses two Entomology and two Phytopathology laboratories equipped with advanced technology. Additionally, there are ten controlled-environment growth rooms (approximately 8 square meters each) equipped with lighting and climate controls. Researchers also have access to the experimental fields and greenhouses at the Faculty’s Research and Application Farm.

Research Focus Areas

Molecular genetic studies on plant diseases and pests

Molecular research on host-pathogen and host-pest interactions

Conventional studies on plant diseases and pests

Breeding for disease and pest resistance

Insecticide resistance research

Biological control research

Biopesticide research

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) studies

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the department find career opportunities in various sectors, including:

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

• Faculties of Agriculture – Departments of Plant Protection

• Agrochemical companies

• Seed production companies

• Biological control agent production companies

• Environmental health and pest control services

• Agricultural consultancy firms

• Private agricultural production enterprises

• Agrochemical retail and distributorships