Biochemical studies of some plant extracts on glutathione and its related enzymes in the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria)

Abstract

One of the most destructive insect to many crops in Africa and Asia is the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) this due to its gluttonous feeding and invasions in swarms. The desert locust is not inhabited in Egypt but migrated from Sudan, Yemen, or Saudi Arabia. In November 2004, both Upper and Lower Egypt were destructively attacked by huge plagues of desert locusts causing great agricultural damage and 40% of agricultural crops were lost. Detection and prevention is the main control method used against the Desert locust. Organophosphoruses are the current used pesticides that control locus due to the banning of organochlorines. The widespread uses of such synthetic pesticides has many disadvantages, such as the increased costs, handling hazards, concerns about insecticide residues, development of insect resistance to insecticides and great threats to both human and environmental health. The botanical control