We all are aware about menacing Locusts attacks all over India. The U.N Food and Agriculture Organization had already warned about Locusts breeding in large numbers on Africa’s Red Sea Coast and in Iran as well. They then travelled through Pakistan to enter Indian Thar desert.
Rajasthan and Maharashtra are worst affected states and warnings for Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have been issued. In Rajasthan, Out of 33 districts, more than 20 are heavily affected by Locusts attacks.
You will be surprised to know that Locusts can eat as much food as 35000 people in a single day, in terms of weight. They pose a severe danger to crops all around India. It is said that the best time to control and spray on Locusts is when they are not airborne. Once they are airborne, controlling methods become more expensive.
Also read: Government Buys Special Equipment like Drones to Combat New Locust Attack
Below are some chemicals that can be used to kill and tackle Locusts problems:
1. Dichlorvos:
It is also known as DDVP and is a very potent insecticide. It can kill locusts with a single spray. It knocks down Locusts very quickly and helps in bringing adult Locust population down. DDVP can sprayed over the crops with the help of machinery very easily.
2. Ortho MAX Malathion:
The high intensity of Malathion can help in killing almost the entire Locusts population which is about to attack crops and agricultural lands. Its concentrate form is widely used in different states of India to tackle mosquitoes, bugs, spider mites, insects etc.
3. Fipronil:
It belongs to phenylpyrazole chemical family and is an insecticide. It attacks on Locust's nervous system. Its lethal dosage can kill up to 80% of Locusts swarms by causing hyper-excitation of contaminated Locusts nerves and muscles.
4. Fenitrothion:
It is an inexpensive insecticide that is widely used worldwide. It is used in agriculture for saving crops from insects, flies, mosquitoes and cockroaches.
