Field application of the juvenile hormone analogue fenoxycarb against hopper bands of Locusta migratoria capito in Madagascar

Summary Field trials have been carried out to examine the suitability of the JHA fenoxycarb in locust control. Laboratory tests have shown that a variety of JHAs, including fenoxycarb, applied to last instar larvae increased mortality, induced morphogenetic defects during metamorphosis, reduced fertility and provoked solitarisation of gregarious hoppers. The phase shift was indicated by green coloration and the acquisition of morphological and behavioural characteristics typical for solitary locusts. The present field experiments should clarify whether or not the effects observed in the laboratory are also observed with hopper bands in their natural habitat and if swarm formation and emigra…