A literature review and new observations on the use of diflubenzuron for control of locusts and grasshoppers throughout the world

The insect growth regulator diflubenzuron (Dimilin®) is used to control locusts and grasshoppers on rangeland and croplands worldwide. Ingestion of diflubenzuron by immature insects results in disruption of chitin formation and deposition that affects the cuticle and the molting process. Symptoms of diflubenzuron intoxication include: death, physical abnormalities (such as loss of limbs), lethargy and cessation of feeding. Field trials with diflubenzuron on grasslands are reported in this paper and support previously published work showing it to be effective in broadcast treatments or alternating swaths and barriers. Affected insects were observed 3 d after application but maximum control of populations occurred by 14 d. Low grasshopper population counts the year after application suggested fewer eggs hatched from adults exposed to diflubenzuron. This bears out results of earlier laboratory and small-scale experiments. Diflubenzuron applications to rangeland did not seriously affect the populations of nontarget arthropods.