Bacillus bombysepticus, an Entomopathogen in Yellow-Spined Bamboo Locust with Biocontrol Potential

Ceracris kiangsu (Tsai) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is a severe pest of the bamboo Dendrocalamus barbatus Hsuch & D.Z. Li that is widely grown in plantations in Vietnam. A biocontrol option to manage this pest is a priority for the forest sector. This study evaluates whether there are potential biocontrol candidates within the C. kiangsu population. Bacteria were isolated from C. kiangsu nymphs that were parasitized in the field. In a nursery experiment, three Bacillus bombysepticus Wang isolates (FPRC17, FPRC23 and FPRC30) caused 63-68% mortality of C. kiangsu nymphs 9 days after spraying, and the results were similar to applying a commercial Bacillus thuringiensis product. In a field trial, feeding damage from a C. kiangsu infestation was reduced by over 70% at 15 days after spraying these isolates. This finding reveals the potential for the development of a natural biopesticide for bamboo locust management in Vietnam.