BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF LOCUSTS AND GRASSHOPPERS

Abstract

Control of grasshoppers and locusts has traditionally relied on synthetic insecticides, and for emergency situations this is unlikely to change. However, a growing awareness of the environmental issues associated with acridid control as well as the high costs of emergency control are expanding the demand for biological control. In particular, preventive, integrated control strategies with early interventions will reduce the financial and environmental costs associated with large-scale plague treatments. The recent development of effective oil formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae spores in Africa, Australia, and Brazil opens new possibilities for environmentally safe control operations. Metarhizium biopesticide kills 70%-90% of treated locusts within 14-20 days, with no measurable impact on nontarget organisms. An integrated pest management strategy, with an emphasis on the use of Metarhizium, that incorporates rational use of chemical pesticides with biological options such as the microsporidian Nosema locustae and the hymenopteran egg parasitoids Scelio spp., has become a realistic option.

Activity of oil-formulated Beauveria bassiana against Triatoma sordida in peridomestic areas in central Brazil

“…Preliminary simulated field tests with a B. bassiana isolate in Brazil indicated that activity against T. infestans may be reduced compared to laboratory conditions . The recent development of effective oil-formulations of entomopathogenic fungi is opening new possibilities for environmentally safe control strategies (Lomer et al 2001). We report here on field and semi-field tests with oil-formulated B. bassiana in Central Brazil to control peridomestic T. sordida.…”

Virulence of entomopathogenic fungi against Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharting, 1781) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

“…There have been many attempts to use this fungus as a practical biocontrol agent against many insect pests, from termites in USA (Copping, 2001) to grasshoppers and locusts in Africa (Lomer et al, 2001). M. anisopliae isolates used in this study, especially KTU-2, KTU-27 and KTU-40, also showed good activity against larvae of the willow leaf beetle.…”

Management of Insect Pests by Microorganisms

“…outbreak in forestry in Poland and North America with the products of B. thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk) [6], Pine caterpillar management with B. bassiana in China [7], locust control with Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridium in Africa, Australia and China [8], sugarcane spittle bug management by Metarhizium anisopliae in Brazil, rubber lace bug control with Sporothrix insectorum, corn borer management with B. bassiana in Europe and USA [3], and European pine sawfly management with NPV in Europe and North America [9]. The main advantages of these biocontrol agents are their specificity to target pests, safety to the non-target organism, they do not cause ill effects on environment and human health and can be used against pests which develop resistance to the conventional insecticides, they fit as ideal components in integrated pest management (IPM) and also in organic farming systems.…”