Studies on Schistocerca cancellata (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in Argentina

CIGLIANO, M. M.

Simposio; Launching the Global Locust Initiative (GLI) at Arizona State University; 2018

Studies on Schistocerca cancellata (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in ArgentinaCigliano, M.M.1,21Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), CCT La Plata, CONICET, La Plata, Argentina, 2División Entomología, Museo de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, ArgentinaCigliano@fcnym.unlp.edu.arThe South American locust Schistocerca cancellata has been historically considered the most serious agricultural pest in Argentina, particularly during the first half of the twentieth century. Schistocerca cancellata is a swarming species with pronounced density-dependent phase polyphenism. Between 2015-2017 (possibly still ongoing) the worst plague of locusts since the early 1950s has occurred in some of Argentina´s northern provinces and areas of the neighboring countries of Bolivia and Paraguay. Despite the evident economic importance of this species the information available on its biology and ecology is limited and fragmentary. It has been considered that mild winters combined with unusual rains during winter through summer in the outbreak area might allowed three generations in a season resulting in the upsurge of populations. The main objective of these studies is to deepen the knowledge on S. cancellata by studying its biological parameters, conducting the analysis of the quantification of density-dependent phenotypic plasticity, characterizing the locusts? biotopes using geospatial technologies (satellite imagery) and geographic information systems (GIS), including the analysis of meteorological variables and landuse/landcover changes in order to identify environmental parameters that might promote the increase and gregarization of its populations. The results of these data integration should serve to improve the strategies applied in the monitoring, prediction, and management of this pest species.