ASSESSMENT OF LOSS IN YIELD OF WHEAT CAUSED BY THE MIGRATORY GRASSHOPPER, MELANOPLUS SANGUINIPES (ORTHOPTERA: ACRIDIDAE)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Studies on the damage and losses of wheat crop caused by the migratory grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes (Fabr.), were carried out under field conditions during 1972 and 1973. A significant inverse relationship was evident between grasshopper density and grain yield. Loss in yield may occur due to grasshopper infestation in different ways: (1) early hatching of grasshoppers may completely destroy newly-germinated seedlings; (2) a gradual defoliation of the crop throughout the growing season reduces yield and grade of the seed due to reduction of plants’ photosynthetic efficiency; (3) headclipping occurs towards the end of the season when leaves have been completely destroyed. The role of weather factors in shaping the impact of grasshoppers on the crop is discussed.