Insect Science and its Application (1999) 19, 313-322

Christiaan Kooyman (1999)
Prospects for biological control of the red locust, Nomadacris septemfasciata (Serville) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Insect Science and its Application 19 (4), 313-322
Abstract: Prospects for the biological control of locusts and grasshoppers have become much brighter during the last ten years thanks to a number of international research projects. This paper examines a number of options, including one that is ready for immediate implementation: the mycoinsecticide, Green Muscle(R), based on the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (flavoviride) var. acridum. It has been registered in South Africa and other African countries are likely to follow during 1999. Trial results on grasshoppers and several locust species have been very encouraging, and preliminary tests on red locusts show potential as well. Recent research on pheromones also points to some interesting possibilities, both when used alone and in combination with a mycoinsecticide. Finally, microsporidian protozoans and rhabditid nematodes show some promise for long-term suppression of red locust populations, but more research and development is needed to demonstrate their potential.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Christiaan Kooyman

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
review

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Nomadacris septemfasciata		South Africa
Metarhizium acridum (entomopathogen)	Nomadacris septemfasciata		South Africa