Project Number: 5436-22000-016-01
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Apr 01, 2010
End Date: Mar 30, 2015

Objective:
Identify new, better entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium, Beauveria spp.) that are pathogenic to grasshoppers and Mormon crickets.

Approach:
Utah State has isolated well over 400 isolates of the two fungi, with funding from USDA APHIS, in the search of a good mycoinsecticide for Mormon crickets. These isolates will serve as the basis for ARS identifying a candidate(s) for grasshopper management in parallel to Utah State’s objectives. Utah State will provide as many as 400 isolates, based on selection by both ARS and Utah State. ARS will evaluate these isolates using multiple criteria, including pathogenicity towards grasshoppers, mass production potential, thermotolerance, and selective nontarget insect studies.