Effect of matrine on the control of locust in desert grassland

Matrine, a new type of biological control agent extracted from the root, stem, leaf and fruit of Sophora flavescens, was used to study its effect on the control of grasshopper in desert grassland. Two experimental groups were designed with 1% of matrine extract and 4.5% cypermethrin and totally 6 treatments (1% matrine 225 mL/hm2, 300 mL/hm2 and 450 mL/hm2; 4.5% cypermethrin 450 mL/hm2, 600 mL/hm2 and 750 mL/hm2) were used. The results showed that 3 concentrations of 1% matrine showed control effect. The treatment of 1% matrine at dose of 450 mL/hm2 showed no difference with the treatment of 4.5% cypermethrin at doses of 450 mL/hm2 and 600 mL/hm2. So, the matrine should be the toppriority for the grasshopper control because of its environmental safety.