In the relentless battle against locust swarms, scientists are turning to tiny, powerful allies: bacteria. A groundbreaking study led by Jihan Muhammad of the Insect Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Unit at the Agricultural Research Center, has uncovered two promising candidates for biological control of two of the most devastating locust species: Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria migratorioides.
The research, published in ‘Scientific Reports’, delves into the potential of indigenous entomopathogenic bacterial (EPB) strains from Egypt to combat these pests. The findings are not just scientifically significant, but they also hold immense promise for the agricultural and energy sectors, which often bear the brunt of locust infestations.
The study identified two bacterial strains, Xenorhabdus nematophila BA2 and Photorhabdus luminescens EGAP3, as particularly effective against the locusts. In laboratory settings, these bacteria showed remarkable efficacy, and the results were even more impressive in semi-field and field trials. “Xenorhabdus nematophila BA2 recorded nymphal mortality rates of 89.31% and 85.00% against the 2nd and 5th nymph instars of S. gregaria,” Muhammad explained, highlighting the bacteria’s potential as a biological control agent.
The implications of this research are vast. Locust swarms can decimate crops, leading to significant economic losses and food insecurity. For the energy sector, the impact of locusts on biofuel feedstocks and agricultural energy infrastructure can be particularly devastating. Biological control methods like these offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, which can have harmful side effects and contribute to pesticide resistance.
The study’s findings suggest that X. nematophila BA2 and P. luminescens EGAP3 are promising candidates for safe and effective locust pest management. With further research and development, these bacteria could be commercially deployed in agriculture, providing a much-needed solution to locust infestations.
As Muhammad noted, “Further research is needed to explore and develop these bacteria for commercial use in agriculture.” This work could shape future developments in integrated pest management, offering a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to controlling locust populations. The potential for these bacteria to revolutionize pest control is immense, and the agricultural and energy sectors are eagerly awaiting the next steps in this exciting research.