Special Issue "How to Manage Migratory Pests and Potential Food Crises: Locusts Plagues in the 2020’s"

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Pest and Disease Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2021.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Michel Lecoq
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, CIRAD, F-34398 Montpellier, France
Interests: locusts; grasshoppers; locust control; locust biology; locust ecology
Dr. Arianne Cease
E-Mail Website1 Website2 Website3
Guest Editor
School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
Interests: ecophysiology; plant-animal interactions; social-ecological systems; Integrated Pest Management; entomology; sustainable development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Locusts (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) constitute a threat to agriculture and livelihoods in many countries globally. The economic, social, and environmental consequences of these highly migratory pests are so substantial that they are treated as a national priority by many countries and several international commissions have been established to unite efforts. The start of 2020 was marked by the continued South American locust upsurge—the first major upsurge of this species in 60 years, as well as the onset of a dangerous desert locust invasion now extending from Kenya to India—the first many of these countries have seen in decades. This special issue aims to shed light on the overarching questions: What have we learned from historical outbreaks, what research is ongoing and what is needed, how serious is the current threat, and how should the world respond to plagues today? Articles in this special issue may address locust issues concerning any of the following: biotic and abiotic factors that affect population and/or behavioral dynamics including the potential role of climate change, surveys and monitoring, forecasting, management technologies, governance including the capacity of affected countries to respond, the impact of outbreaks (economic, social, and/or environmental), or related research. Specific questions authors may wish to consider include: What are the primary drivers of the current outbreaks and is climate change involved? Are recommended preventative strategies effective and what are the constraints to their application? Is there a possibility to use biological alternatives to chemical pesticides? What additional research is needed to better manage these insects? Papers addressing similar topics for other transboundary migratory pests are also welcome.

Dr. Michel Lecoq
Dr. Arianne Cease
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Locusts
  • Pests
  • Outbreaks
  • Invasions
  • Monitoring and forecasting
  • Preventive management strategy
  • Food crisis
  • Biological control
  • Sustainability

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

Article
New Technology for Desert Locust Control
Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1052; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061052 - 24 May 2021
Viewed by 617
Abstract
Locust outbreaks usually begin in remote unpopulated areas following higher than average rainfall. The need to survey such areas has suggested that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often referred to as drones, might be a suitable means of surveying areas with suitable detection devices [...] Read more.
Locust outbreaks usually begin in remote unpopulated areas following higher than average rainfall. The need to survey such areas has suggested that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often referred to as drones, might be a suitable means of surveying areas with suitable detection devices to survey areas and detect important locust concentrations. This would facilitate determining where sprays need to be applied at this early stage and would minimise the risk of swarms developing and migrating to feed on large areas of crops. Ideally, a drone could also spray groups of hoppers and adults at this stage. To date, tests have shown limitations in their use to apply sprays, although it has been suggested that using a fleet of drones might be possible. The use of biopesticide in these areas has the advantage of being more environmentally acceptable as the spray has no adverse impact on birds. Full article
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Article
Locusts and People: Integrating the Social Sciences in Sustainable Locust Management
Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050951 - 12 May 2021
Viewed by 608
Abstract
Locust outbreaks have impacted agricultural societies for millennia, they persist today, and humans aim to manage them using preventative strategies. While locusts have been a focus for natural sciences for more than a century, social sciences remain largely underrepresented. Yet, organizational, economic, and [...] Read more.
Locust outbreaks have impacted agricultural societies for millennia, they persist today, and humans aim to manage them using preventative strategies. While locusts have been a focus for natural sciences for more than a century, social sciences remain largely underrepresented. Yet, organizational, economic, and cultural variables substantially impact these management strategies. The social sciences are one important means through which researchers and practitioners can better understand these issues. This paper examines the scope and purpose of different subfields of social science and explores how they can be applied to different issues faced by entomologists and practitioners to implement sustainable locust research and management. In particular, we discuss how environmental governance studies resonate with two major challenges faced by locust managers: implementing a preventative strategy over a large spatial scale and managing an intermittent outbreak dynamic characterized by periods of recession and absence of the threat. We contend that the social sciences can help facilitate locust management policies, actions and outcomes that are more legitimate, salient, robust, and effective. Full article
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Article
Ups and Downs of the Italian Locust (Calliptamus italicus L.) Populations in the Siberian Steppes: On the Horns of Dilemmas
Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040746 - 12 Apr 2021
Viewed by 678
Abstract
The Italian locust is a common species and one of the most important pest in the steppes, semi-deserts, and deserts of Central and Southwestern Asia and also in the Mediterranean Region. The aim of this paper is to discuss some problems arising from [...] Read more.
The Italian locust is a common species and one of the most important pest in the steppes, semi-deserts, and deserts of Central and Southwestern Asia and also in the Mediterranean Region. The aim of this paper is to discuss some problems arising from studies of eco-geographical distribution and long-term dynamics of this species, especially in the southern part of West Siberia, and their consequences for management of pest species and rare forms. Peculiarities of the Italian locust populations’ distribution and long-term dynamics are discussed for the north-eastern part of the species range (south-eastern West Siberian Plain, North-East and, partly, East Kazakhstan). Notable differences between local populations are revealed. Some issues arising from results of insecticide experimental treatments (mainly effectiveness of barrier applications with different compounds in variable environment) and ecological association between the Italian locust and rare Orthoptera are also discussed. Some suggestions as to requirements for improved monitoring, supervision, control, and forecasting of the Italian locust populations’ distribution and dynamics are also provided. Full article
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Article
Could Entomophagy Be an Effective Mitigation Measure in Desert Locust Management?
Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030455 - 28 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 802
Abstract
The desert locust has been a notorious pest since ancient times. A population upsurge hit Pakistan in 2019 and caused tremendous damage to agriculture and livelihoods. To take advantage of this ongoing upsurge, we conducted a field study to verify whether locust collection [...] Read more.
The desert locust has been a notorious pest since ancient times. A population upsurge hit Pakistan in 2019 and caused tremendous damage to agriculture and livelihoods. To take advantage of this ongoing upsurge, we conducted a field study to verify whether locust collection could be an interesting control method to protect crops in the event of an invasion, as well as an accepted food resource for poor rural communities. A village in the Thar desertic region was selected as a type-locality. An awareness campaign was launched to promote the collection and consumption of locusts as well as to alert people of their nutritional value. Two large swarms arrived near the village and several other swarms affected places nearby. Around 3033 kg of locusts were collected through handpicking at night. Most of the locusts were eaten and, as a result, hoppers of the next generation did not emerge in the type-locality; however, hopper bands appeared in areas where entomophagy was not practiced. The study area had less locust activity because swarms could not lay eggs due to entomophagy by the villagers. The consumption of desert locusts could be an effective practice to prevent malnutrition and protein deficiency and, to a certain extent, an efficient mitigation measure to help local populations to better protect themselves and their crops against locust outbreaks. Collection and consumption of locusts should be encouraged while remaining realistic about its real impact on locust control. This should also be done in concert with local authorities to take into account the risks to human health and to avoid the consumption of insects treated with pesticides. Full article
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Article
A Swarm of Injustice: A Sociopolitical Framework for Global Justice in the Management of the Desert Locust
Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020386 - 21 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 675
Abstract
In recent years, scientists and managers have advocated for the integration of the social sciences (particularly political science and economics) and the humanities (particularly moral philosophy) with the natural sciences (particularly entomology and ecology) in developing a full understanding of locust-management programs. In [...] Read more.
In recent years, scientists and managers have advocated for the integration of the social sciences (particularly political science and economics) and the humanities (particularly moral philosophy) with the natural sciences (particularly entomology and ecology) in developing a full understanding of locust-management programs. In this paper, we pursue such a synthesis by using the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) as an exemplar case. After an overview of this insect’s biology, ecology, and management, we provide a brief summary of the standard, moral theories (utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics) and consider their shortcomings with regard to developing a framework for understanding the socioeconomic complexity of locust management. Next, we address some of the models of global justice and focus on two fundamental questions: Who is a moral agent with regard to desert locust management, and how should we justly distribute the responsibilities among agents during preventive and reactive modes? After identifying the agents, we use a fourfold set of principles to construct a framework for locust management consistent with global justice and apply this conceptual system to two hypothetical scenarios. We conclude with some observations from political philosophy that offer progress toward a comprehensive and applicable theory for locust management in the context of global justice. Full article
Article
Early Intervention against Desert Locusts: Current Proactive Approach and the Prospect of Sustainable Outbreak Prevention
Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020312 - 10 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 796
Abstract
The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), a major Old World pest, is associated with agricultural losses and undesirable societal effects. There are three broad approaches to its control: reaction, proaction, and outbreak prevention. Reaction protects crops from swarms but it is [...] Read more.
The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), a major Old World pest, is associated with agricultural losses and undesirable societal effects. There are three broad approaches to its control: reaction, proaction, and outbreak prevention. Reaction protects crops from swarms but it is costly and disruptive. Proaction involves early intervention during outbreaks to avert further development to plague status; it is in current use because it is effective, relatively inexpensive, and it is the best available option for now. Outbreak prevention, largely unavailable since the 1970s, at least on a regional scale, will require highly sensitive surveillance to detect the onset of gregarization. Sufficiently early intervention can, hypothetically, extend desert locust recession indefinitely. While research on desert locust biology and behavior is, almost, no longer an urgent requirement to improve the efficacy of control, new priorities have arisen for developing outbreak prevention capability (and for enhancing proaction). Salient needs presently include long residual tactics for prophylactic (preventive) control in breeding areas, intervention thresholds, and improved, sustainable coordination among stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels. The most recent desert locust episode of 2020 provides an illustrative example of how prevention might have averted the entire upsurge, and how proaction in some countries contained the spread of swarms. The initial outbreak in Saudi Arabia escaped control due to unpreparedness, and impacts of armed conflict in Somalia and Yemen, which weakened surveillance and control, further contributed to the invasion of ≥22 countries, and the spraying of ≈4.9 million ha, by the end of 2020. Full article
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Article
Incidence and Ramifications of Armed Conflict in Countries with Major Desert Locust Breeding Areas
Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010114 - 08 Jan 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 756
Abstract
Despite many areas of progress in recent years, desert locust surveillance and control is impaired by many obstacles, the most intractable of which is insecurity. Insecurity involves rebellions, insurgencies, civil and international war, banditry, terrorism, and minefields. Obstruction of desert locust operations in [...] Read more.
Despite many areas of progress in recent years, desert locust surveillance and control is impaired by many obstacles, the most intractable of which is insecurity. Insecurity involves rebellions, insurgencies, civil and international war, banditry, terrorism, and minefields. Obstruction of desert locust operations in breeding areas by ongoing armed conflict and landmines constitutes “direct” insecurity. “Indirect” insecurity, although less obvious, is arguably more broadly deleterious by debilitating government function and diverting funds, personnel, and equipment from desert locust management. Indirect “active” insecurity is armed conflict and civil unrest that is occurring at the same time as a desert locust episode, but not in the breeding areas. Indirect “inactive” insecurity refers to the after-effects of insecurity, including weak funding because of prior inattention to capacity maintenance during times of direct and indirect active insecurity, disabled or militarily-appropriated vehicles and other resources, destruction of infrastructure, and deployment of mines. We provide examples of direct and indirect insecurity across 35 years, from 1986 through May 2020, in 13 African and Asian countries (Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Western Sahara, and Yemen) with desert locust breeding areas to illustrate the complexity, pervasiveness, and chronic occurrence of insecurity. The upsurge of 2020 is used to show how direct insecurity still contributes to the genesis and expansion of desert locust episodes. Possible mitigation of direct insecurity effects on some desert locust operations is discussed. Full article
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Article
Evidence for a Causal Relationship between the Solar Cycle and Locust Abundance
Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010069 - 31 Dec 2020
Viewed by 690
Abstract
Time series of abundance indices for Desert Locusts Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål 1775) and Oriental Migratory Locusts Locusta migratoriamanilensis (Meyen 1835) were analysed independently and in relation to measures of solar activity and ocean oscillation systems. Data were compiled on the numbers of [...] Read more.
Time series of abundance indices for Desert Locusts Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål 1775) and Oriental Migratory Locusts Locusta migratoriamanilensis (Meyen 1835) were analysed independently and in relation to measures of solar activity and ocean oscillation systems. Data were compiled on the numbers of territories infested with swarms of the Desert Locust from 1860–2015 and an inferred series that compensated for poor reporting in the 1860 to 1925 period. In addition, data for 1930 to 2014, when reports are considered to have been consistently reliable were converted to numbers of 1° grid squares infested with swarms and separated according to four different geographical regions. Spectral analysis to test the hypothesis that there are cycles in the locust dynamics revealed periodicities of 7.5 and 13.5 years for the inferred series that were significant according to the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck state-space (OUSS) test. Similar periodicities were evident in the 1° grid square data and in each of the regions but even though these were significantly different from white noise, they were not significant according to the OUSS criterion. There were no significant peaks in the Oriental Migratory Locust results with the OUSS test, but the data were significantly different from white noise. To test hypotheses that long term trends in the locust dynamics are driven by solar activity and/or oceanic oscillation systems (the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), the North Atlantic Oscillation Index (NAO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)), the original locust data series and their Kalman-filtered low frequency (LF) components were tested for causality using both spectral coherence tests and convergent cross mapping. Statistically significant evidence was found that solar activity measured by numbers of sunspot groups drive the dynamics, especially the LF components, of both species. In addition, causal links were inferred between both the SOI and NAO data and Desert Locust dynamics. Spectral coherence was also found between sunspot groups and the NAO, the IOD and LF SOI data. The data were also analysed showing that the LF SOI had causal links with the LF inferred Desert Locust series. In addition, the LF NAO was causally linked to the LF 1° grid square data, with the NAO for December-March being most influential. The results suggest that solar activity plays a role in driving locust abundance, but that the mechanisms by which this happens, and whether they are mediated by fluctuations in oceanic systems, is unclear. Furthermore, they offer hope that information on these phenomena might enable a better early warning forecasting of Desert Locust upsurges. Full article
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Article
Adult Desert Locust Swarms, Schistocerca gregaria, Preferentially Roost in the Tallest Plants at Any Given Site in the Sahara Desert
Agronomy 2020, 10(12), 1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10121923 - 07 Dec 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1563
Abstract
The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, is a major migratory pest that causes substantial agricultural damage. Flying adult swarms disperse widely during the daytime, but they densely roost on plants at night. Swarm control operations are generally conducted during the daytime, but night-time [...] Read more.
The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, is a major migratory pest that causes substantial agricultural damage. Flying adult swarms disperse widely during the daytime, but they densely roost on plants at night. Swarm control operations are generally conducted during the daytime, but night-time control is a significant potential alternative. However, the night-roosting behavior of swarms is poorly understood. We determined night-roosting plant preferences of migrating sexually immature swarms of S. gregaria at four different sites in the Sahara Desert in Mauritania during winter. The night-roosting sites were divided into two types based on presence or absence of large trees. Swarms tended to roost on the largest trees and bushes at a given site. Swarms used medium-sized plants when large trees were not locally available, but the same medium-sized plant species were hardly used when large trees were available. Plant choice influenced roosting group size—large locust groups roosted on larger plants. Night-roosting locusts rarely fled from approaching observers. These results suggest that swarms of S. gregaria exhibit plasticity in their utilization patterns of night-roosting plants depending on the plant community encountered and they selectively use larger plants. We propose that this predictable plant-size dependent night-roosting can be used to particularly ease locust swarm control and to generally adopt anti-locust night control strategy. Full article
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Article
Linseed Oil Affects Aggregation Behaviour in the Desert Locust Schistocerca gregaria—A Potential Swarm Disruptive Agent
Agronomy 2020, 10(10), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10101458 - 24 Sep 2020
Viewed by 744
Abstract
Gregarious desert locusts constitute very destructive agricultural pests. They aggregate and form collectively moving swarms that devastate vegetation and reduce crop production. To combat gregarious locusts, a bio-pesticide formulation that contains linseed oil as the main component was described recently. Since linseed oil [...] Read more.
Gregarious desert locusts constitute very destructive agricultural pests. They aggregate and form collectively moving swarms that devastate vegetation and reduce crop production. To combat gregarious locusts, a bio-pesticide formulation that contains linseed oil as the main component was described recently. Since linseed oil is rich in fatty acids, some of which function as necromones that indicate injury or death in various insect species, we investigated the influence of linseed oil on the aggregation behaviour of sexually mature gregarious desert locusts. For this reason, we performed a series of aggregation experiments with six individuals of the same sex and brushed the wings of one individual (target individual) with linseed oil. The time the oil brushed target males spent close to any other individual was reduced in 76% of trials (average reduction of 18%), whereas the time target females spent in groups with members of the same sex did not alter. These results suggest that linseed oil may act as a bioactive agent that has the potential to disrupt swarm formation. Full article
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Review

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Review
State of the Art Management of the Central American Locust Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons (Walker, 1870)
Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061024 - 21 May 2021
Viewed by 570
Abstract
The Central American locust (CAL), Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons (Walker, 1870), is a transboundary pest that is distributed from Mexico to Panama. It is a true locust species characterized by density-dependent phase polyphenism. The ancient record of the CAL is found in the Popol [...] Read more.
The Central American locust (CAL), Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons (Walker, 1870), is a transboundary pest that is distributed from Mexico to Panama. It is a true locust species characterized by density-dependent phase polyphenism. The ancient record of the CAL is found in the Popol Vuh, the Mayan sacred book, demonstrating how it has affected humans for millennia. In Mexico, the CAL have been declared a national threat to agriculture since 1824. Serious locust plagues occurred in 1882–1883 when swarms of 20 km2 in size invaded the Yucatán Peninsula and neighboring states in southern Mexico and, since then, management actions to suppress populations and economic damage have been implemented. A better understanding of the biology, ecology, and behavior of the CAL replaced a manual and mechanical collection of locust swarms, hopper bands, and egg pods with modern techniques such as the use of safer chemical products and environmentally friendly bioinsecticides. Presently, biomodels and GIS support the monitoring and forecasting of outbreaks. Currently, studies are conducted to investigate environmental factors that trigger locust gregarization, the evolution of phase polyphenism, and CAL bioactive compounds and nutritional contents, envisioning its potential use in biotechnological industries. Findings will be crucial to improve the management strategies of the CAL. Full article
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Review
Nosema locustae (Protozoa, Microsporidia), a Biological Agent for Locust and Grasshopper Control
Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040711 - 08 Apr 2021
Viewed by 449
Abstract
Effective locust and grasshopper control is crucial as locust invasions have seriously threatened crops and food security since ancient times. However, the preponderance of chemical insecticides, effective and widely used today, is increasingly criticized as a result of their adverse effects on human [...] Read more.
Effective locust and grasshopper control is crucial as locust invasions have seriously threatened crops and food security since ancient times. However, the preponderance of chemical insecticides, effective and widely used today, is increasingly criticized as a result of their adverse effects on human health and the environment. Alternative biological control methods are being actively sought to replace chemical pesticides. Nosema locustae (Synonyms: Paranosema locustae, Antonospora locustae), a protozoan pathogen of locusts and grasshoppers, was developed as a biological control agent as early as the 1980s. Subsequently, numerous studies have focused on its pathogenicity, host spectrum, mass production, epizootiology, applications, genomics, and molecular biology. Aspects of recent advances in N. locustae show that this entomopathogen plays a special role in locust and grasshopper management because it is safer, has a broad host spectrum of 144 orthopteran species, vertical transmission to offspring through eggs, long persistence in locust and grasshopper populations for more than 10 years, and is well adapted to various types of ecosystems in tropical and temperate regions. However, some limitations still need to be overcome for more efficient locust and grasshopper management in the future. Full article
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Review
Locust and Grasshopper Outbreaks in the Near East: Review under Global Warming Context
Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010111 - 08 Jan 2021
Viewed by 805
Abstract
Plagues of locust possibly date back to before humanity, as they evolved before humans. Following the Neolithic revolution and the permanent settlement of humans in Mesopotamia, locusts and grasshoppers have become a serious problem for people, as imprinted on archaeological remains. In the [...] Read more.
Plagues of locust possibly date back to before humanity, as they evolved before humans. Following the Neolithic revolution and the permanent settlement of humans in Mesopotamia, locusts and grasshoppers have become a serious problem for people, as imprinted on archaeological remains. In the Near East, desert locust may be an important problem during invasion periods, in addition to various local species of locusts and grasshoppers. Past plagues caused serious disasters in the region, but there has been a pause since the 1960s, thanks to more effective monitoring and control. However, global warming and other anthropogenic activities change ecosystems, and these increase the potential for locust outbreaks, upsurges and plagues for the region. Outbreaks of some local species could also be a serious problem. Pest species of the locust and grasshopper of the Near East mainly belong to Caelifera and some to Ensifera. Global warming and extended agricultural activities can increase the potential for outbreaks of local species and create suitable conditions for desert locust invasions. This review is an attempt to (i) provide a historical background for locust invasions/outbreaks in the Near East, (ii) assess the potential for outbreaking of local species and (iii) define a perspective for future actions regarding global changes. Full article
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: State of the art on Management of the Central American locust-Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons (Walker, 1870)
Authors: Ludivina Barrientos-Lozano1*, Jorge Ariel Torres-Castillo2, Aurora Y. Rocha-Sánchez1
Affiliation: Tecnológico Nacional de México-I. T. de Ciudad Victoria. Blvd. Emilio Portes Gil No.1301. Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, México. C.P. 87010. Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas-Instituto de Ecología Aplicada. División del Golfo 356, Col. Libertad, 87019, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, México.
Abstract: Abstract. The Central American locust-Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons (Walker, 1870), is an endemic and transboundary pest that distributes from Northern Mexico to Central America. The oldest record on this locust species is perhaps in “The Popol Vuh”, the Mayan sacred book. In Mexico, it was declared as a national threat to agriculture since 1824. Serious locust plagues date back to 1882-1883 when swarms of 20 km size invaded the Yucatán Peninsula and neighbor States in southern Mexico. A better understanding on the biology, ecology, and behavior of the Central American locust replaced manual and mechanical collection of locust (swarms, hopper bands, egg pods) performed in the XIX century, by modern management techniques as the use of safer chemical products and environmentally benign bio-insecticides. At present, bio-models and GIS support monitoring and forecasting of outbreaks. In the most recent outbreak, 2018-2020, the National Service of Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) introduced drones for monitoring locust populations, in addition to land monitoring. Currently, studies are conducted to investigate the Central American locust bioactive compounds and nutritional contents, envisioning its potential use in biotechnological and food industries.

Title: Community-based pest management in the groundnut basin in Senegal: Millet fertilization decreases Senegalese grasshopper (Oedaleus senegalensis) (Krauss, 1877) damage and increases yield

Authors: Mamour Toure; Arianne Cease; Marion Le Gall; Amadou Fall; Alana Burnham; Alioune Beye
Affiliation: 1 UFR EFSS, Gaston Berger University, Saint Louis, Senegal 2 School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA 3 School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA 4 Biology Animal Department, FST, UCAD, Dakar, Senegal 5 Direction de la Protection des Végétaux, Nganda, Senegal
Abstract: - Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss, 1877) is a widespread pest in the Sahel and causes significant losses of food crops. This insect prefers nitrogen-poor plants, with low protein and high carbohydrate contents, in natural and laboratory environments. The main objective of this study was to scale up results from prior studies to implement a soil amendment intervention at the community level. We worked with 100 farmer participants from two villages in the Kaffrine and Fatick regions of Senegal. Each farmer delineated one hectare of their millet for control and amended another hectare with the ISRA-recommended application of fertilizer for millet in the region. We found that, in fertilized fields as compared to control fields, (a) millet leaf protein:carbohydrate ratio increased; (b) O. senegalensis densities and grasshopper damage were decreased by an average of 34.42% and 51.92%, respectively; (c) and millet yield was increased by 45.74%. Further, millet leaf protein:carbohydrate ratio was negatively correlated with O. senegalensis densities and positively correlated with millet yield. These results suggest that community-based management that increases soil fertility for cereal crops has the dual benefit of enhancing crop growth and creating an unfavorable nutritional environment for a major Sahelian pest, ultimately increasing yield and improving food security

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