Biocontrol Science and Technology (1997) 7, 603-611

J. Langewald, C. Kooyman, O.-K. Douro-Kpindou, C. Lomer, A.O. Dahmoud and H.O. Mohamed (1997)
Field treatment of desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria Forskal) hoppers in Mauritania using an oil formulation of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium flavoviride
Biocontrol Science and Technology 7 (4), 603-611
Abstract: A field trial was conducted to test the efficacy of an oil formulation of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium flavoviride Gams and Rozsypal (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) as a control agent for Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forskål (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in Mauritania. The treatment was applied to hopper bands in the field. In caged samples of the treated insects, 99% mortality was observed in 15 days. On average during application only 51% of the hoppers received spray droplets directly, the additional mortality being due to pick-up of spores of the spray residue. This mortality was assessed by exposing insects to a treated plot at intervals and monitoring disease levels during subsequent incubation in cages. The spray residue remained highly infective for a period of six days after application. The number of nymphs in the hopper bands was estimated using a computer-based photographic image-processing technique. Unfortunately, most of the hopper bands dispersed into small groups, but a population reduction could be demonstrated for one hopper band. Maximal daily mortality in the field was observed 10 to 11 days after application, compared with 6 to 10 days in cages.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Jürgen Langewald, Christiaan Kooyman, Ouro Kobi Douro-Kpindou, Chris J. Lomer

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
formulation/storage of bioagents
evaluation - screening - selection

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Schistocerca gregaria		Mauritania
Metarhizium acridum (entomopathogen)	Schistocerca gregaria		Mauritania