The 2019–2020 upsurge of the desert locust and its impact in Pakistan

By

Sultana, Riffat
Kumar, Santosh
Samejo, Ahmed Ali
Soomro, Samiallah
Lecoq, Michel

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2021-10-7

Original Publication

Journal of orthoptera research : JOR

Volume

30

Series / Issue

Issue: 2

Pages

145--154

Subjects

control strategies crop damage desert locust outbr , Schistocerca gregaria

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Philadelphia, Penn Orthopterists' Society 1992-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.30.65971

 

Abstract

The recent upsurge of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål, 1775) has had an impact on East Africa and the Middle East as far as India. It has affected and slowed down many aspects of the Pakistani economy. Swarms of locusts have infested many areas and caused immense damage to all types of crops. Both farmers and economists are concerned and are trying to get the most up-to-date information on the best strategy to manage this pest. This paper is an attempt to (i) provide insight into the dynamics of this upsurge internationally as well as in the various regions of Pakistan, (ii) briefly assess its local impact and locust control measures, and (iii) clarify the role of the various stakeholders in the management, both nationally and internationally, suggesting various improvements for the future.