Grasshoppers and Locusts
Suborder: Caelifera
Affected Plants:
Grasses, Corn, Sorghum, Sugarcane, Vegetables, Ornamental plants, Shrubs, TreesDamage Type:
Chewing off sectionsPhysical Characteristics:
Large hind legs for jumping; vary in color (green, brown); prominent jaws for chewing plants.Control Method:
Mercaptothion, Carbaryl, manual removalEnvironmental Impact:
Varies, manual removal has no impactOrganic/Natural Control:
Neem oil, row covers, predatory birdsAbout this pest
Grasshoppers and Locusts: Jumping Jeopardy in South African Fields
Distinguishing between grasshoppers and locusts can be tricky, but understanding their shared characteristics and potential threats is crucial for South African farmers. Let’s delve into their world to understand the why and how:
Physical Characteristics:
- Size: Varies across species, ranging from small (1cm) to large (8cm).
- Body: Elongated with prominent jumping legs, antennae, and compound eyes.
- Colour: Diverse, with hues of green, brown, yellow, and even red, often camouflaged with their habitat.
- Movement: Generally solitary as grasshoppers, but can form massive swarms known as locust plagues under specific environmental conditions.
Common South African Names:
- Sprinkhaan (Afrikaans) – Grasshopper
- Springkake (Afrikaans) – Jumping cockroach (misnomer)
- Sprinkaanplaag (Afrikaans) – Locust plague
Why are Grasshoppers and Locusts Pests?
- Leaf and foliage feeders: Both adults and nymphs consume leaves, flowers, and other plant parts, damaging crops, pastures, and ornamental plants.
- Potential for devastating outbreaks: During locust plagues, massive swarms can devour entire fields in a matter of hours, causing catastrophic agricultural losses.
- Environmental impact: Large-scale locust outbreaks can have cascading effects on ecosystems, impacting food security and livelihoods.
Combatting Grasshoppers and Locusts:
- Monitoring: Early detection of population increases is crucial to prevent outbreaks.
- Cultural practices: Habitat modification, crop rotation, and diversification can limit suitable breeding grounds.
- Biological control: Encouraging natural predators like birds, lizards, and parasitic wasps can help control populations.
- Insecticides: Use registered insecticides for grasshopper and locust control as a last resort due to environmental and potential harm to beneficial insects.
- Biopesticides: Explore options like neem oil or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for safer alternatives.
Locust Control Specifics:
- Aerial spraying: Used in severe outbreaks to target large swarms over vast areas.
- Ground control: Localized spraying or baiting can be effective for smaller infestations.
- Community involvement: Raising awareness and educating communities about locust control measures is essential for effective mitigation.
Remember:
- Grasshoppers and locusts are natural elements of ecosystems, but managing their populations is crucial to protecting agricultural production and livelihoods.
- Prioritizing preventive measures like environmental management and natural predators can offer sustainable solutions.
- Consult with agricultural extension services or pest control professionals for specific recommendations based on your location and grasshopper/locust species.
By understanding these fascinating insects and taking proactive measures, South African farmers and communities can mitigate the threat of grasshopper and locust infestations and secure a resilient future for their fields.
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