Kazakhstan and China successfully tested an eco-friendly biopesticide against locusts, the Ministry of Agriculture reported. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Field trials of a new-generation biological pesticide against Moroccan locusts were successfully completed in the Turkistan region. Research results showed high efficacy of the environmentally safe preparation based on the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae.
The field trials were conducted on pasturelands in the Kazygurt district of the Turkistan region. The preparation based on the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae was used as a biological agent. This preparation is considered an effective and environmentally safe alternative to chemical insecticides.
"To assess efficacy, treated locusts were placed in special field cages, 20 individuals each. Additionally, control groups were established one day after treatment. Throughout the observation period, specialists daily recorded pest mortality rates," the statement said.
The first signs of insect infection were observed on the third day after treatment. On the fifth day, mortality reached 70–80%, and on the ninth day, complete mortality of all individuals in the experimental groups was recorded.