Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection
Plant protection studies in Iran goes back to 1923, in which a small unit entitled "Pest Identification and Control" was established by Jalal Afshar. Four years later, this unit was transferred to the Ministry of Public Benefits as "Pest Control Agency". Despite limited facilities, this agency conducted the first chemical control against locust by applying baits in Damavand area, following the first successful biological control against citrus scale using Rodolia cardinalis in the north part of Iran.
In 1943, J. Afshar established "Entomology and Pest Control Laboratory" working directly under supervision of the Agriculture Ministry. After the second World War, few young graduates joined the lab, and broadened research on different aspects of entomology. Next, foundation of an insect museum, one of the greatest in the Middle-East at present, was started. At present, this museum is the only formal center of insect identification in Iran. Botany section of the mentioned laboratory was activated by Iranian botanist and mycologist Dr. Esfandiari and Mr. Behboodi, the founder of weed research in Iran. At present, the herbarium (founded during 1945-1948) is one of the richest collections in the world. Formal name of this herbarium is "Herbarium Ministerii Iranici" and its code is "Iran". Students and researchers from Iran and other countries can borrow specimens from the Herbarium.
The name of "Entomology Laboratory" was changed to "Pest Surveying Office" in 1949, followed by "Plant Pests and Quarantine Surveying Office" in 1957. In 1962, the name of "Plant Pests and Diseases Surveying Institute" was approved by the Ministry of Agriculture. In 1963, it was entitled as "Plant Pests and Diseases Research Institute". In 2007, it was entitled as "Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection" .
Research Departments in headquarter, Provincial Research Centers and Research stations
The IRIPP is headed by the Director of the institute as the highest rank for decision making. “Research Council” is the highest consultation section which is under supervision of the IRIPP director and is responsible for policy making and large-scale decisions. The research departments in headquarter, provincial research centers and research stations are as follows:
-28 local and provincial plant protection research departments.
-52 specialized laboratories and 2 research and development laboratories in the country.
-11 research departments in Tehran headquarter which are:
-Pesticides Research Department
-Plant Diseases Research Department
-Agricultural Zoology Research Department
-Agricultural Entomology Research Department
-Insect Taxonomy Research Department
-Botanical Research Department
-Sun Pest Research Department
-Weed Research Department
-Biological Control Research Department
-Plant Nematology Research Department
-Plant Virology Research Department
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