Effectiveness of Spinosad as a biogenic insecticide in controlling desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria Forsskål). | ||
| Minia Journal of Agricultural Research and Development | ||
| Volume 44, Issue 4, December 2024, Pages 465-477 PDF (724.29 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Articles | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mjard.2024.379034 | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forsskål, 1775), is the most destructive migratory pest worldwide, driven by climate change, land degradation, and regional conflicts. It forms massive swarms which devastating entire crops and causing widespread food shortages. Current control measures depend on traditional chemical insecticides, which have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of Spinosad, a biogenic insecticide, against desert locusts. Spinosad (Tracer® 24% SC) was applied at 65 ml/100 L against various stages of desert locust (hoppers and adults). Under field conditions, our observations revealed that Spinosad induced a mortality rate of 71% in adult and 67% in hopper instars (nymphs) at 96 hours post-treatment. Furthermore, we assessed the proportional impact of contact toxicity versus stomach poisoning induced by Spinosad on locust mortality. Our findings indicated that contact toxicity had a more pronounced effect on both adult locusts and hoppers compared to stomach poisoning. Meanwhile, adults demonstrated greater susceptibility to both modes of action than hoppers. Additionally, we evaluated the residual levels of Spinosad on treated vegetation, and the data demonstrated a rapid decrease in Spinosad concentrations on plants, starting at 4.582 mg/kg one hour after application and declining to 0.098 mg/kg by day 6 posttreatment. Considering the results obtained, Spinosad can provide effective control of desert locusts, particularly when utilized as part of a comprehensive integrated pest management program. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Desert locust; biological control; Spinosad; CRC | ||
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