New journal article on-line:
"Discovery of a North American genetic variant of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae pathogenic to grasshoppers". Published in Biocontrol Dec 19, 2006. By Susan C. Entz, Lawrence M. Kawchuk and Dan L. Johnson
On-line copy to subscribers. Abstract. Full copies are available on request.
PDF of submitted manuscript.
Images of the fungus in action.
Background: Warmer weather and climate will result in more frequent and more extensive outbreaks of certain insect pests, notably grasshoppers. Grasshopper outbreaks result in extensive spraying of grassland with chemical insecticides. Regulatory and market restrictions on pesticides are increasing, as are efforts to keep these compounds out of water, soil and food. A naturally occurring microbe recently discovered in soil in the Canadian prairies may provide an alternative to insecticides in some situations. Further testing and product development is proposed. Current funding and support for R&D are provided by:
AAFC Pesticide Risk Reduction Program, Pest Management Centre
Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Canada Research Chairs
University of LethbridgeWith collaborative support from
Pulse Canada (Mark Goodwin)
and Pest Management Regulatory AgencySome related articles on this topic:
Entz, S.C., Johnson, D.L., and Kawchuk, L.M. 2005. Development of a PCR-based diagnostic assay for the specific detection of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum in grasshoppers. Mycological Research 109: 1302-1312.
Johnson, D.L., Smits, J.S., Jaronski, S.T., and Weaver, D.K. 2002. Assessment of health and growth of ring-necked pheasants following consumption of infected insects or conidia of entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae var acridum and Beauveria bassiana, from Madagascar and North America. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health 65: 2145-2162.
Lomer, C.J., Bateman, R.P., Johnson, D.L., Langewald, J., and Thomas, M.B. 2001. Biological control of locusts and grasshoppers. Annual Review of Entomology 46: 667-702.
