Reduction in-Flight Activity and Food-Consumption by the Desert Locust, Schistocerca-Gregaria Forskal (Orth, Cyrtacanthacrinae), after Infection with Metarhizium-Flavoviride

Adult Schistocerca gregaria were infected with the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium flavoviride and their flying ability and rates of food consumption recorded over the subsequent days to death, which usually took about 6 days. Significant reductions in both flight and feeding occurred, usually by the 3rd day after application of the fungus. The diminished levels of pest activities before death reduces the perceived disadvantage of a relatively slow time to kill of the mycoinsecticide.