Locust-fungi success
In October 1990 SPORE reported on trials being conducted by CABl's International Institute of Biological Control using fungi as a biological control agent against grasshoppers and locusts (Spore 29 page 10). The pathogenic fungus Metarhizium flavoviride has been shown to be effective in controlling locusts migrating from the Air Mountains to Wadi Anu-Makeren north of Agadez, Niger. Despite temperatures of over 30 C at midday, and humidities down to 15%, results were good. Half the treated adults had died from the fungal infection in nine days; mortality was more that 95% at the end of 12 days. One of the key requirements in utilizing fungi as biocontrol agents for locusts is the ability to get the fungal spores into contact with the insects. A team at the International Pesticide Application Research Centre at Silwood Park, UK is working on a method of combining the spray efficiency and ultra-low-volume capabilities of controlled droplet application (CDA) with the selectivity and low environmental impact of a mycopathogen such as Metarhizium. The challenge now is to transfer the technology from the laboratory to the field. Dr Chris Prior International Institute of Biological Control Silwood Park Buckburst Road Ascot Berks SL5 7TA UK
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| Format: | News Item biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
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Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation
1992
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| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10568/45833 http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/en/d/Jcta41e/ |
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