Nosema locustae

Microsporida, especially Nosema spp., are pathogens in many insect pests. However, only Nosema locustae which attacks grasshoppers, is marketed. 

Germot A, Philippe H, Le Guyader H (1997) Evidence for loss of mitochondria in mi-crosporidia from a mitochondrial-type HSP70 in Nosema locustae. Mol Biochem Parasitol 87 159-168... 

The natural ecosystem maintains a delicate balance between pests and predators. Pest insects can be controlled by the artificial release of predators. One example is a parasitic wasp, Diadegma insulare. The adult female wasp lays eggs in a Plutella xylostella larva and pupates inside the cocoon of the mature larva. This and other insect predators are available commercially, but the usage is limited. Protozoa and nematodes are also used in insect pest control. One example of a protozoan that effectively infects locusts and controls the population is Nosema locustae. A commercially available nematode insect control agent is Steinemema carpocapsae. This nematode parasitizes scarab larvae with a symbiotic Photorhabdus bacterium that produces insecticidal toxins. 

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