EFFECT OF BACILLUS CEREUS ON DEVELOPMENT OF MIGRATORY LOCUST, LOCUSTA MIGRATORIA (R&F)

Abstract

Migratory locust, Locusta migratoria (Acrididae: Orthoptera) is a serious oligophagous pest of agriculture, found mostly in African, Asian and Australian continents. A bacterium isolated from eggs of L. migratoria was identified as Bacillus cereus CSBRLE2. The pathogenic effects of B. cereus on development and various tissues and haemolymph protein in L. migratoria have been investigated. Third instar nymphs were starved and inoculated with 10 ìl of bacterial suspension having concentration of 8x108 cfu/ml. The individuals were maintained in the laboratory up to adult maturation and egg laying. Body weight of the B. cereus inoculated individuals significantly reduced as compared to control. High mortality and lower fecundity and hatching percentage observed in the groups inoculated with bacterium. Inoculation of bacteria reduced the total haemolymph protein in  adults as compared to control. The present study demonstrates that B. cereus could be used against L. migratoria in combination with other viable agents to help in management of locust and grasshoppers population in the field.