Nosema locustae explained

Nosema locustae is a microsporidium fungus that is used to kill grasshoppers, caterpillars, some corn borers and crickets.^[1]

Effects on grasshoppers

When consumed, N. locustae affects the digestive system of a grasshopper through a buildup in the gut, eventually killing it by creating lethargy and a lack of appetite;^[2] it is also transferable from a deceased infected grasshopper that is consumed.^[3] In a study done at Linköping University using N. locustae and a central Ethiopian grasshopper species, 55% of the grasshoppers that were not inoculated reached adulthood, while only 19% of the ones that were inoculated did.^[4]

Farm Application

The spores are typically applied to a carrier, usually wheat bran, and can be spread through the use of a variety of devices. Typical application is one pound per acre, at a rate of 1 billion plus spores.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Book: Insect Pathology . 2012 . Academic Press . 978-0-12-384984-7 . 5 . 2nd . Vega, Fernando E. . Kaya, Harry K..
2. Web site: M&R Durango, Inc. Insectary - Nolo Bait™ . www.goodbug.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100610054900/http://www.goodbug.com/nolobait.html . 2010-06-10.
3. Web site: Nosema Locustae (117001) Fact Sheet . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . October 2000 . 2013-08-30.
4. Habtewold . T.. Landin, J. . Wennergen, U. . Bergman, K.O. . Life Table for the Tef Grasshopper, Aiolopus longicornis, under Laboratory Conditions and Demographic Effects of the Pathogen Nosema locustae . Biological Control . December 1995 . 5 . 4 . 497–502 . 10.1006/bcon.1995.1059.
5. Web site: M&R Durango, Inc. Insectary - Nolo Bait™ . www.goodbug.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100610054900/http://www.goodbug.com/nolobait.html . 2010-06-10.