Aggregation pheromone of locusts contributes to its control

Abstract

Locusts may form large swarms that can quickly consume enormous amounts of crops and vegetation, which can have a disastrous effect on agriculture. These swarms are capable of covering great distances, eradicating crops of grains, vegetables, and other vital food supplies, causing large crop losses, and jeopardizing the security of food in the affected areas. Numerous crops are targeted by the locusts, including grains that are basic diets for many populations, such as wheat, rice, and maize. Their feeding has the potential to bare entire fields, costing farmers money and raising food prices. Furthermore, outbreaks of locusts can harm pasturelands over time, decreasing the amount of feed available to cattle and negatively affecting agricultural livelihoods. In this study, we used the aggregation pheromones presented in the feces of aggregation locust culture to attract mature adult females to lay their eggs. Egg pods were then treated with a 50% locust feces extract solution to study its effects on egg hatching. The physiological analysis investigated that the total lipids, protein, and carbohydrates of the treated egg pods were significantly reduced compared to the control ones. This may be used as a good trap for controlling locust egg pods.