Toxicological studies on the latex of the usher plant Calotropis procera (Ait.) in Saudi Arabia -: IV.: Effects of partly purified usher latex and of the poison gland secretion of the Usherhopper, Poekilocerus bufonius Klug on the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forskal.: (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The partially purified latex (PPL) of the usher plant, Calotropis procera (Air), as well as the cardiac glycosides-rich poison gland secretion (PGs) of the usherhopper, Poekilocerus bufonius Klug have been tested for their toxicity on the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forskal by injecting them into the haemocoel of the locust. Both proved toxic to the locust, but PGs was far more so than PPL. The former caused 100% mortality in the locust at all dose levels used, but the mortality rate caused by the latter was proportional to the dose used. The potential of both PPL and PGs as pesticides is discussed.