Curative Control

Plants in pest control

1. Neem

Pathogens

1. Spores-based bio-products.
   The market-ready products are "Green Muscle" (GTZ, 2001) and "Green Guard" (CSIRO, 2001). These are Metarhizium anisopliae (Maa) based. Maa is an insect-pathogen fungus found to be effective against locusts. These commercial bio-products are locusts host specific. FAO expert commission attested to the efficacy and absolute harmlessness in environmental terms of both products (GTZ, 2001; CSIRO, 2001). Ask for assistance from your local agriculturist office for more information.
2. Spores of the protozoan, Nosema locustae ( University of Nebraska, 2000). These are commercially available as bran baits for grasshoppers.

Physical methods

1. During locust infestation, farmers should act swiftly. Collect and kill the pests, (using sweep nets, broom or twigs) because they can damage plants quickly (Reissig; Heinrichs; Litsinger; Moody; Fiedler; Mew; Barrion, 1986: pp. 110-112).
2. Use fine mesh nylon nets as row covers to protect valuable plants and seedlings.

Other methods

1. Salty rice bran bait.
   Moisten rice bran with salty water. Locusts feed on salty rice bran (Reissig; Heinrichs; Litsinger; Moody; Fiedler; Mew; Barrion, 1986: p. 117).