Locusts an on-going battle

This year, the sum of 33 million US dollars was spent in fighting locusts in the Sahel. Unfortunately, this did not lead to the elimination of this plague. Some factors, like the use of insecticides and a relatively long rainy season, have certainly contributed to better harvest results. Nevertheless, specialists estimate the number of locust eggs that have been laid as equal to that of the same period last year, and probably even more in Niger and Chad. Consequently the danger of locust invasions next year is expected to be of the same gravity. It is now necessary to detect the egg-laying sites so as to prevent locusts from spreading. Likewise, campaigns should be organized without delay before the beginning of the rainy season. During the coming months the development of locust migrations must be observed attentively. They seem to multiply dangerously in the mountainous areas of the Sahara and also in the flooded zones of Mali and Chad. For more information contact: PRIFAS/CIRAD B. P 5035 34032 Montpellier France FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla 00196 Rome ItalyThis year, the sum of 33 million US dollars was spent in fighting locusts in the Sahel. Unfortunately, this did not lead to the elimination of this plague. Some factors, like the use of insecticides and a relatively long rainy season, have..