Fungal-Based Biopesticide Formulations to Control Nymphs and Adults of the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forskål (Orthoptera: Acrididae): A Laboratory and Field Cage Study

This is the first field study in which we have tested efficacy of four different entomopathogenic fungal (EPF) formulations together single study—i.e., Green Muscle, Guard, Metarhizium anisopliae, and an isolate Beauveria bassiana (isolate WG-11)—against nymphs adults desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forskål (Orthoptera: Acrididae). We conducted several studies: (a) lethal bioassay against 3rd, 5th, adult stages under laboratory conditions; (b) sublethal effects on reproduction, diet consumption, fecal production, weight gain; (c) a greenhouse trial; (d) cage trial. Under conditions, all EPF caused significant mortality, highest was observed with followed by B. bassiana, M. anisopliae. Susceptibility found to be greatest 3rd-instar nymphs, 5th instars, then adults. Along effects, doses reduced number egg pods per female, total eggs pod, hatching, while extending nymphal developmental time reducing longevity; again, Muscle performed better. Sublethal not only retarded but also behavioral changes, including reductions food gain. All produced mortality very well conditions. The maximum (81.7% 74.0%), 5th-instar (73.3% 65.1%), locusts (67.5% 58.9%) when using trials, respectively. current showed that potential reduce pest populations, could used integrated management program.