Effect of Different Neem Products on the Mortality and Fitness of Adult Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål)

Abstract. Various neem products were tested against resting and flying Schistocerca gregaria. Two of the products namely neem Azal-F and the unclarified neem oil were obtained from the Company Trifolio, whereas neem oil enriched and pure neem oil, were a gift of Prof. Schmutterer (University of Giessen). The treatment during flight activity caused, for all products applied an increase of the mortality rate, except the neem oil enriched and pure neem oil of Giessen, up to 70 and 90 % respectively. The same products, however, sprayed on resting locusts did not show any remarkable mortality. But this treatment reduced the fitness of the locusts in terms of their flight performance, as well as their adipokinetic potency. In consequence of this, it is to expect that neem treated locusts will not be able to cover long distances. That means the lipid mobilizing system necessary to provide the flight muscles with "fuel " (lipids) is disturbed severely