Microbial and protozoan pathogens of grasshoppers and locusts as potential biocontrol agents

Worldwide, grasshoppers and locusts destroy several billion dollars (US) worth of crops every year. The known microbial and protozoan pathogens of grasshoppers and locusts are reviewed. They may be valuable control agents, particularly for some of the economically devastating locust species in Africa and Asia, and grasshopper species in North America and Asia. Aspects of the pathogenic process, if known, of fungi, protozoa, viruses and rickettsia towards acridids are discussed. Finally, production, formulation and application of these biocontrol agents are reviewed.