South American locust swarm in northwestern Argentina. Photo: Héctor Medina
Locusts and grasshoppers have long posed major problems for farmers, often causing widespread crop damage and putting food supply at risk globally. Latest improvements in the way these pests are managed provide new hope for more sustainable solutions. David Hunter of the Locust and Grasshopper control unit in Red Mountain, Australia cited practical and advanced strategies to reduce the damage caused by these insects. The results of the study were presented at the International Conference on Sustainable Management and published in the highly respected Journal of Agriculture.
Dr. Hunter’s research explains an innovative approach to solving the locust and grasshopper problems, focusing on accurate predictions and quick action to control the outbreak while using less chemical pesticides. By using mapping tools such as geographic information systems, which are computer-based tools that can analyze and visualize location-related data, experts can predict what happens to outbreaks more likely by studying rainfall, plant growth and other environmental factors. “The system can help us quickly find problem areas so that we can act quickly and effectively,” Dr. Hunter said. The study also highlights the need for countries to work together, as locusts often migrate across borders.
An important benefit of this system is that it reduces the use of chemical pesticides. Traditional methods often involve spraying large areas, which can harm the environment and human health. Instead, there has been a shift to targeted methods such as spraying narrow land strips where the pests are concentrated at high density. Natural pesticides made from fungi and other biological agents (materials from natural organisms) have also proven to be very effective. Dr. Hunter noted that these approaches not only reduce environmental damage, but are also affordable for farmers and governments.
Another major improvement is the use of aircraft and drones to quickly locate dense locust swarms. These technologies include remotely controlled unmanned flight equipment, allowing effective scanning of large and hard to reach areas. These search techniques need to adapt to the behavior of the species in question, as some early morning flights are particularly effective, as locusts are more easily detected at rest and are more easily detected later in the day. Combining these aerial surveys with the data from the mapping system ensures timely and accurate treatments.
Dr. Hunter also stressed the need to address the underlying causes of locust outbreaks, such as climate and environmental changes. By understanding how rainfall and plant growth affect locust populations, scientists can improve their predictions. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has implemented this aggressive approach in Australia, China, and Africa and Asia, and the organization’s advanced management system (integrating technology and expert knowledge for better decision-making) is now on the spot.
All in all, the latest research and developments provide a clear plan to manage locusts and grasshoppers in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. By focusing on rapid action, reducing the use of chemical pesticides, and adopting modern technologies, farmers and governments can protect crops and protect natural ecosystems. “We must continue to improve these methods and ensure they are used more widely,” said Dr. Hunter. His work has laid the foundation for better control of locust and grasshopper outbreaks, with minimal damage to the environment.
Journal Reference
Hunter, D. “The best practice locust and grasshopper management in the world: Accurate prediction and early intervention treatment of reduction using chemical pesticides.” Agronomics, 2024; 14 (2369). doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/gronomy14102369
About the Author
David Hunter B.Sc and M.Sc were completed at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and PH D at the University of Queensland. David then worked at the Australian Plague Commission for more than 25 years because entomologists’ research on locust biology helped them control. He is a member of a development research team metarhizium acridum As a biopesticide for locusts and supervise the first operating use of the biopesticide, there was a treatment of 25,000 hectares of locust infestations. metarhizium In 2000, Australia’s locusts rose. David then focused on the introduction metarhizium Prior to serving as executive director of the Orthopedic Institution Society (2013-2019) and president (2019-2023), locusts and grasshoppers were used in many countries as part of the preventive management.
