| dc.description.abstract | Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria Forskål) is one of the most serious agricultural pests in the
world due to its voracity, speed of reproduction, and range of flight. We discuss the current state of
knowledge on its biological control using microorganisms and botanical extracts. Metarhizium
flavoviride was among the first fungus to be recognized as a bio-control agent against desert locust
in the laboratory and field conditions. Nevertheless, its oil formulation adversely affected nontarget organisms, hence led to further research on other microorganisms. Metarhizium anisopliae
var. acridum (syn. Metarhizium acridum) is an environmentally safer bio-pesticide that has no
measurable impact on non-target organisms. However, there are various shortcomings associated
with its use in desert locust control as highlighted in this review. Bacterial pathogens studied were
from species of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Serratia. Botanical extracts of 27 plant species were tested
against the locust but showed varied results. Azadirachta indica and Melia volkensii were the most
studied plant species, both belonging to family Meliaceae, which is known to have biologically active
limonoids. Out of the 20 plant families identified, Apiaceae was the most represented with a
frequency of 21%. However, only crude botanical extracts were used and therefore, the active
ingredients against desert locust were not identified. Through a comprehensive research, an
integrated pest management strategy that incorporates these bio-controls would be a realistic
option to control desert locust infestations. | en_US |
