Insecticide For Locust

The desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), also known as the migratory grasshopper, is a species of short-horned grasshopper belonging to the Acrididae family. Desert locusts can leap distances up to 50 times their body length and run at speeds of up to 50 km per hour. When their populations are large, they form bands and migrate across Africa, travelling hundreds of kilometres in search of food and water. Their presence is often reported by swarms of birds that follow them, attracted by the insects and their eggs. The locusts cause extensive damage to agriculture, they are estimated to consume roughly 80 percent of their body weight in vegetation every day, some have been recorded consuming 86 grams (3.2 oz) of green plant material daily per kg body mass

Insecticide For Locust

A range of control agents are available in NSW. Choosing the most appropriate control agent is impacted by a number of factors, including where it is to be used (such as within a crop, pasture, stock or sensitive site scenarios), withholding periods and environmental considerations.

Fenitrothion is registered for use against locusts on pasture and a wide range of cereal and other crops. It is available as EC (ground control) and as a ultra-low volume (ULV) formulation for aerial control.

Fipronil, also a ULV formulation for aerial control, is suitable for pasture and sorghum situations. Fipronil is not a ‘knockdown’ insecticide.

Chlorpyrifos is suitable for EC ground control only in crop or pasture situations.

Metarhizium, sold as Green Guard^®, is a biological control agent which can be used in environmentally-sensitive areas and in areas of organic farming or chemical sensitivity. The agent is derived from a naturally-occurring Australian fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae) that attacks locusts. Green Guard^® can take 8-18 days to have an effect so should only be used to treat immature locusts, early in their lifecycle. It is not suitable for treating adult locusts. No withholding periods and/or slaughter intervals apply when using Green Guard^®.

Any control agents used must be approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Labels, SDSs (Safety Data Sheet) and permits relating to these pesticides are available at NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Alongside other selection criteria, insecticides with a shorter withholding period are preferred by the NSW Government.

It is critical to control locusts early in their lifecycle – while they are grounded and unable to fly – and before they cause significant damage to crops and pastures. This means treating them at the “banding” stage with insecticide before they take to the wing. This usually occurs 2-3 weeks after peak hatching during the 2^nd-4^th instar stage. Numbers can be in the hundreds per square metre, allowing target spraying rather broad-acre spraying.

Swarms are highly mobile and almost impossible to treat, with environmental constraints further limiting treatment opportunities.

Ground control is the most effective and efficient method of application.

Insecticides should be applied directly onto the ‘banded’ nymphs and about one swathe-width ahead of the band, or at least five metres in front, and then work back through the nymph band from the dense leading-edge.

Most types of spray equipment can be used to treat nymph bands. Correctly calibrated boom sprays are the most suitable equipment, or boomless jets which can apply 50-200 litres per hectare can also be used.

Landholders are encouraged to consult with neighbours about spraying, particularly near property boundaries.

Insecticide For Locust

Locusts are a species of grasshopper that can cause severe damage to crops and vegetation. In the past, locusts have been known to wipe out entire crops across large swathes of land. If a locust infestation is not dealt with quickly, it can result in devastating consequences for local communities.

The best way to combat locust infestations is through the use of insecticides. Insecticides are chemicals designed to kill insects by targeting their nervous system or disrupting their biological processes. Insecticides can be sprayed over an area where there is a high concentration of locusts, or they can be applied directly onto individual insects.

Insecticide For Locust is an insecticide designed specifically for use against locusts. It is safe for humans and animals when used as directed, but should not be ingested or used around young children or pregnant women without first consulting your healthcare provider.

List Of Insecticide For Locust