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<\/a>\u201cWe are happy that Green Muscle\u00ae has proved effective in the control of locusts and is now globally used,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting in mid-May, a rapid biological control intervention by FAO using the biopesticide drastically reduced locust infestations in Tanzania and prevented a full blown invasion that could have affected the food crops of around 15 million people in the region. The organization added that Green Muscle\u00ae would continue to be deployed in the country as well as in Malawi and Mozambique in the next few months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although this was the largest-scale application so far, it was not really the first one. Last year, more than 7000 ha were sprayed in Senegal against Sahelian grasshoppers. The biopesticide has also been effectively used in Niger and Mauritania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Green Muscle\u00ae was developed by biocontrol scientists of IITA, working with the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) in the UK over a 10-year period as part of an international research consortium called LUBILOSA (LUtte BIologique contre les LOcustes et les SAuteriaux, or Biological Control of Locusts and Grasshoppers) set up in 1989. Large-scale testing of the biopesticide began in 1996, followed by on-farm trials conducted with organizations including CARE, AFRICARE, national agricultural research partners and local farmer associations. The formulation was approved by FAO in 1997.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The environment-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides uses a natural fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum, the spores of which are suspended in a mineral oil solution, according to the study led by former IITA scientist, J. Langewald, in the Journal of Biocontrol Science and Technology published in 1997.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fungus weakens and kills the locusts in 10 to 14 days and the biopesticide is therefore more effective as a preventive agent rather than for controlling outbreaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMoreover, it can persist in the ground for several weeks to a year after spraying, continuing to attack and kill locusts and grasshoppers. The fungus is very safe and has a narrow and targeted range of hosts. Our studies have shown that birds and other organisms that feed on the treated locusts and grasshoppers are not harmed,\u201d added Godonou.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Godonou said that the initial field trials of Green Muscle\u00ae were conducted in Benin under the close watch of IITA scientists based in Cotonou. Subsequent large-scale field trials were held in Niger and Mauritania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMass production of the fungus for small to large scale field trials also started at IITA-Benin,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Green Muscle\u00ae has been picked up by the commercial sector and is currently being produced by a private company in the Republic of South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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For more information, please contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Ignace Godonou, i.godonou@cgiar.org<\/a> Catherine Njuguna, c.njuguna@cgiar.org<\/a> Godwin Atser, g.atser@cgiar.org<\/a> Jeffrey T Oliver, o.jeffrey@cgiar.org<\/a> Communication Office
Entomologist
IITA-Benin<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corporate Communications Officer (East Africa)
IITA-Tanzania<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corporate Communications Officer (West Africa)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corporate Communications Officer (International)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IITA – Headquarters
Ibadan, Nigeria<\/p>\n\n\n\n