Moroccan Locust Outbreak

• The ‘large-scale’ outbreak of the Moroccan locust across eight provinces in Afghanistan’s wheat basket is likely to destroy 700,000-1.2 million tonnes of wheat or 25% of the total annual harvest, alerted the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• If the Moroccan locust population is left untreated, its population can increase a 100 times in the next year.
• The Moroccan locust eats more than 150 species of plants, including tree crops, pastures, and 50 food crops, all of which grow in Afghanistan.

ABOUT MOROCCAN LOCUSTS

• These are known as the most economically damaging plant pests worldwide.
• Scientific name- “Dociostaurus maroccanus”.
• They belong to the family Acrididae, which includes grasshoppers and locusts.
• These locusts are known for their ability to form swarms, causing significant agricultural damage in the regions they infest.
• These are medium to large-sized insects, with adults typically measuring around 4-5 centimeters in length.
• They have a robust body, short antennae, and powerful hind legs adapted for jumping.
• The coloration of their bodies can vary, ranging from greenish brown to reddish-brown.