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

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; it is also transferable from a deceased infected grasshopper that is consumed. 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.

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.

References

1. Vega, Fernando E.; Kaya, Harry K., eds. (2012). Insect Pathology (2nd ed.). Academic Press. p. 5. ISBN 978-0-12-384984-7.
2. "M&R Durango, Inc. Insectary - Nolo Bait™". www.goodbug.com. Archived from the original on 2010-06-10.
3. "Nosema Locustae (117001) Fact Sheet" (PDF). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. October 2000. Retrieved 2013-08-30.
4. Habtewold, T.; Landin, J.; Wennergen, U.; Bergman, K.O. (December 1995). "Life Table for the Tef Grasshopper, Aiolopus longicornis, under Laboratory Conditions and Demographic Effects of the Pathogen Nosema locustae". Biological Control. 5 (4): 497–502. doi:10.1006/bcon.1995.1059.
5. "M&R Durango, Inc. Insectary - Nolo Bait™". www.goodbug.com. Archived from the original on 2010-06-10.

• Fungal pest control agents
• Biological control agents of pest insects
• Microsporidia
• Fungi described in 1953
• Fungus species