Utah State scientists seek cricket-killing fungus

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University scientists are on the lookout for a fungus that might help in the fight against Mormon crickets.

A team working with insect pathologist Donald Roberts is analyzing about 10,000 soil samples from 17 different states in the hopes of isolating the fungus, which is capable of killing bugs in the right conditions. The researchers say it's already being used to control grasshoppers in Australia, Africa and South America.

They say the fungus can't be imported because of federal restrictions so they're looking for a domestic supply. Roberts and others believe it likely exists in soil near the Mexican border.

If developed properly, the researchers say the fungus could be more environmentally friendly at controlling insects than pesticides.