SURVEYS FOR FUNGAL PATHOGENS OF LOCUSTS AND GRASSHOPPERS IN AFRICA AND THE NEAR EAST

Authors:
  • CKC. Kooyman
    C. Kooyman
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Abstract
A total of 181 isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin, M. flavoviride Gams and Rozsypal, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, and Sorosporella sp. was found in a survey of Orthoptera in West Africa, Madagascar, Oman, and Pakistan between 1990 and 1993. Prior to this survey, there were only 28 isolates of hyphomycete fungi from Orthoptera held in international culture collections. Seventeen of the recently acquired Metarhizium isolates have been determined to be highly virulent during screening tests as part of a research programme for the development of a microbial insecticide against locusts and grasshoppers in Africa. Ninety-five isolates came from Benin which was the country where survey activities were most concentrated, and 63 of these isolates were found in Malanville, northern Benin, between 1991 and 1992 during an epizootic of M. flavoviride. Recordings from Oman and Pakistan represent the first specimens from these countries to be deposited in international culture collections. No deductions can be made on the best method for survey; both incubation of live grasshoppers and field searches for cadavers yielded results. Soil baiting with Orthoptera was used with some success. Limited soil screening using selective agar media was not found to be particularly useful.

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