Control Grasshoppers, Without Chemicals

Hi, This message is to clarify a comment made by Ashkok that Nosema spores found in Nolo Bait which is used for grasshopper control could also infect honeybees and other beneficial insects. Nosema locustae which is the spore used in Nolo Bait has been scientifically studied for its effects on non-target organisms including honeybees. The writer was correct that there is a species of Nosema spore which will infect honeybees but it is not the Nosema locustae found in Nolo Bait. Nosema locustae found in Nolo Bait is an obligate pathogen of grasshoppers meaning that it cannot reproduce in any other organism but grasshoppers. It has been tested extensively and proven to be inert in any other organism. Also, it does do all three things the writer was asking about. It naturally suppresses grasshopper appetites, it also naturally interferes with growth in that infected grasshoppers do not molt and mature as they normally would and those who become infected late in their maturation process will pass the organism on through the egg laying process. The organism is non toxic to any animal (ie: a chicken feeding on an infected hopper) and will pass through their feces to persist in the soil which can also be a plus if an egg pod is laid in the soil because hatching young will be exposed and can become infected also. So, Nosema locustae found in Nolo Bait, which is naturally occurring in the environment, does not harm other organisms, contributes to reduced foraging and reproduction naturally, and it is a long-term management tool that has no negative impact on the environment. Neem oil, on the other hand, can kill friendly insects as well as the target pest insects. Thank you, Lee Anne Merrill, manufacturer of Nolo Bait

Hello,
the spores that you use may also infect other friendly organisms like the butterflies, honey bees or natural predators.
The natural way to control the grasshopper is using a natural feeding deterrent, ovipositional deterrent and growht regulators which control the life cycle of grasshoppers. At the same time the substance should not create resistance in the pest. Do you a know a thing which does it all and which is non toxic and degradable ..

Yes it is neem : More information about the wonders of neem :
http://www.natureneem.com/index_files/Neem_in_Agriculture.htm

You can buy from them
Ashok

Don't forget the MOST natural of grasshopper controls - chickens. Get enough of them, and you won't have any trouble with grasshoppers at all - and you'll reconvert all of that nitrogen back into meat and eggs for your table as well!

Dominic Ebacher
ebacherdom.blogspot.com