Work

Biological control of Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria migratorioides using Entomopathogenic bacteria

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the potential of indigenous entomopathogenic bacterial (EPB) strains from Egypt to control the two most prevalent locust species, Schistocerca gregaria (Forsskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), and Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Reiche & Fairmaire) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). To assess the efficacy of the EPB strains, experiments were conducted in the laboratory, semi field, and field. The results showed that Xenorhabdus nematophila (Thomas et Poinar) BA2 (Enterobacterales: Morganellaceae) and Photorhabdus luminescens (Thomas et Poinar) EGAP3 (Enterobacterales: Morganellaceae) were the most effective strains against S. gregaria and L. migratoria migratorioides in laboratory settings. Under semi-field conditions, X. nematophila BA2 recorded nymphal mortality rates of 89.31% and 85.00% against the 2nd and 5th nymph instars of S. gregaria, respectively, and P. luminescens EGAP3 showed nymphal mortality rates of 88.00% and 80.00% against the 2nd and 5th nymph instars of S. gregaria, respectively. In field trials, X. nematophila BA2 exhibited the highest nymphal mortality rate of 88.70% at 7 days after spraying. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that X. nematophila BA2 and P. luminescens EGAP3 are promising candidates for environment-friendly, safe locust pest management. Further research is needed to explore and develop these bacteria for commercial use in agriculture.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-87513-7

Authors: Jihan Muhammad, Zeinab Fathy, Saad Moussa

Institutions: Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Agricultural Research Center

Language: English

Topic: Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690