DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF A LARGE-SCALE APPLICATION OF NOSEMA-LOCUSTAE (MICROSPORIDA, NOSEMATIDAE) ON RANGELAND GRASSHOPPERS (ORTHOPTERA, ACRIDIDAE)

No clear direct or indirect effects of N. locustae on low-density (<9.6 grasshoppers per m2) populations were apparanet compared with controls. In the 3 wk after application of N. locustae, high-density (≥9.6 grasshoppers per m2) populations had 40-45% higher mortality than controls, but between 3-7 wk after treatment, a natural population crash obscured further effects. In treated, high-density assemblages, grasshoppers exhibited higher rates of necrophagy and lower fecundity. Proportionately fewer males were found in treated areas. -from Authors