Ce. Lange et Ml. Dewysiecki, THE FATE OF NOSEMA-LOCUSTAE (MICROSPORIDA, NOSEMATIDAE) IN ARGENTINE GRASSHOPPERS (ORTHOPTERA, ACRIDIDAE), Biological control, 7(1), 1996, pp. 24-29
Surveys to detect Nosema locustae, a microsporidian pathogen of orthop
terans introduced in Argentina several times from 1978 to 1982 to cont
rol pest grasshoppers, were conducted during the 1994 and 1995 seasons
at locations in Buenos Aires and La Pampa provinces. A total of 7535
grasshoppers collected from 13 different sites were examined, Infected
grasshoppers were found at 4 of the sites, 2 of them 75 km from the c
losest introduction site. Infections were diagnosed in 10 species: 7 M
elanoplinae (Baeacris punctulatus, Dichroplus elongatus, D. pratensis,
D. vittatus, Neopedies brunneri, Scotussa daguerrei, and S. lemniscat
a), 2 Gomphocerinae (Staurorhectus longicornis and Rhammatocerus pictu
s), and 1 Romaleidae (Diponthus argentinus). Prevalence of infection r
anged from 0.7% in D. pratensis to 33.3% in R. pictus and averaged 7.9
%. B. punctulatus appeared as the most susceptible species to infectio
n. N. locustae is well established in grasshopper communities of centr
al Argentina. Some comments are included about concerns that were rais
ed on the use of exotic agents for the control of native pests. (C) 19
95 Academic Press, Inc.