1
|
Fernández de Bobadilla M, Ramírez NM, Calvo-Agudo M, Dicke M, Tena A. Honeydew management to promote biological control. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 61:101151. [PMID: 38097038 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Honeydew is the excretion of plant-feeding hemipterans and it is one of the most abundant source of carbohydrates for parasitoids and predators in agroecosystems. Being so abundant, honeydew mediates direct and indirect interactions that affect biological control. We describe these interactions and identify honeydew-management strategies to reduce pest pressure. First, the presence of nondamaging honeydew producers in cover crops and hedges increases the efficacy of parasitoids and predators. Second, breaking the mutualism between ants and honeydew-producing pests with alternative sugar sources promotes biological control of these pests. Third, we propose to explore honeydew volatiles to attract biological control agents and repel pests, as well as to induce plant defenses. Finally, we urge reducing the use of systemic pesticides that contaminate honeydew and negatively affect biological control agents that feed on it. Overall, we propose that honeydew management is integrated in pest management programs to contribute to sustainable agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maite Fernández de Bobadilla
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Carretera CV-315 km 10,7, Moncada, 46113 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Natalia M Ramírez
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Miguel Calvo-Agudo
- Agrobío S.L., Ctra, Nacional 340, Km 419, El Viso, La Mojonera, 04745 Almería, Spain
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Tena
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Carretera CV-315 km 10,7, Moncada, 46113 Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Plata Á, Gómez-Martínez MA, Beitia FJ, Tena A. Exclusion of Mediterranean ant species enhances biological control of the invasive mealybug Delottococcus aberiae in citrus. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:2056-2065. [PMID: 36693817 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delottococcus aberiae is an invasive mealybug that produces severe damage in Spanish citrus. This mealybug has established a mutualistic relationship with native Mediterranean ant species that may limit biological control of this pest. Herein, we evaluated the effect of tending ants on the biological control of D. aberiae. To do this, we compared: (i) the density of D. aberiae, (ii) the density of its natural enemies, and (iii) the damage produced by the mealybug in trees with (control) and without ants (ants excluded with sticky barriers) in two citrus orchards across two consecutive years. RESULTS Lasius grandis was the most abundant ant species in both orchards and represented more than 95% of the ants tending D. aberiae in control trees. Spiders and lacewings were the most abundant predators observed in mealybug colonies, and the exclusion of mutualistic ants increased their abundance. Moreover, in control trees, ant activity throughout the year was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of predators (number of predators per mealybug). No parasitoids were recovered during field experiments. Ant exclusion reduced the density of D. aberiae and the ratio of damaged fruit at harvest across years and orchards. CONCLUSIONS This work corroborates the previous finding that D. aberiae benefits from its mutualistic relationship with L. grandis, probably because the presence of ants reduced the abundance of generalist predators. This mutualism can be disrupted using physical barriers on on the trunk. Further research should assess other methods of ant control that are more economic and feasible for citrus producers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Plata
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Moncada, Spain
| | - María A Gómez-Martínez
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Moncada, Spain
| | - Francisco J Beitia
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Moncada, Spain
| | - Alejandro Tena
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Moncada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Anjos DV, Tena A, Viana-Junior AB, Carvalho RL, Torezan-Silingardi H, Del-Claro K, Perfecto I. The effects of ants on pest control: a meta-analysis. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221316. [PMID: 35975443 PMCID: PMC9382213 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental impacts of conventional agriculture have generated interest in sustainable agriculture. Biological pest control is a fundamental tool, and ants are key players providing ecological services, as well as some disservices. We have used a meta-analytical approach to investigate the contribution of ants to biological control, considering their effects on pest and natural enemy abundance, plant damage and crop yield. We also evaluated whether the effects of ants are modulated by traits of ants, pests and other natural enemies, as well as by field size, crop system and experiment duration. Overall (considering all meta-analyses), from 52 studies on 17 different crops, we found that ants decrease the abundance of non-honeydew-producing pests, decrease plant damage and increase crop yield (services). In addition, ants decrease the abundance of natural enemies, mainly the generalist ones, and increase honeydew-producing pest abundance (disservices). We show that the pest control and plant protection provided by ants are boosted in shaded crops compared to monocultures. Furthermore, ants increase crop yield in shaded crops, and this effect increases with time. Finally, we bring new insights such as the importance of shaded crops to ant services, providing a good tool for farmers and stakeholders considering sustainable farming practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego V. Anjos
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais 38405-302, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Tena
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Moncada, Spain
| | - Arleu Barbosa Viana-Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Evolução, Coordenação de Zoologia, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém, Para 66077-830, Brazil
| | - Raquel L. Carvalho
- Instituto de Estudos Avançados, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-020, Brazil
| | - Helena Torezan-Silingardi
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais 38405-302, Brazil
| | - Kleber Del-Claro
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais 38405-302, Brazil
| | - Ivette Perfecto
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mouratidis A, Vacas S, Herrero J, Navarro-Llopis V, Dicke M, Tena A. Parasitic wasps avoid ant-protected hemipteran hosts via the detection of ant cuticular hydrocarbons. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20201684. [PMID: 33402070 PMCID: PMC7892424 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most studied and best-known mutualistic relationships between insects is that between ants and phloem-feeding insects. Ants feed on honeydew excreted by phloem-feeding insects and, in exchange, attack the phloem feeders' natural enemies, including parasitic wasps. However, parasitic wasps are under selection to exploit information on hazards and avoid them. Here, we tested whether parasitic wasps detect the previous presence of ants attending colonies of phloem feeders. Behavioural assays demonstrate that wasps left colonies previously attended by ants more frequently than control colonies. This behaviour has a potential cost for the parasitic wasp as females inserted their ovipositor in fewer hosts per colony. In a further bioassay, wasps spent less time on papers impregnated with extracts of the ant cues than on control papers. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analyses demonstrated that ants left a blend of cuticular hydrocarbons when they attended colonies of phloem feeders. These cuticular hydrocarbons are deposited passively when ants search for food. Overall, these results suggest, for the first time, that parasitic wasps of honeydew producers detect the previous presence of mutualistic ants through contact infochemicals. We anticipate such interactions to be widespread and to have implications in numerous ecosystems, as phloem feeders are usually tended by ants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelos Mouratidis
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, Plant Protection and Biotechnology Research Center, Moncada, Spain.,Wageningen University, Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Vacas
- Centro de Ecología Química Agrícola, Instituto Agroforestal del Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | - Julieta Herrero
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, Plant Protection and Biotechnology Research Center, Moncada, Spain
| | - Vicente Navarro-Llopis
- Centro de Ecología Química Agrícola, Instituto Agroforestal del Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Wageningen University, Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Tena
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, Plant Protection and Biotechnology Research Center, Moncada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sanchez JA, López-Gallego E, La-Spina M. The impact of ant mutualistic and antagonistic interactions on the population dynamics of sap-sucking hemipterans in pear orchards. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:1422-1434. [PMID: 31628776 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ants are known to establish antagonistic and mutualistic interactions with honeydew-producing hemipterans, depending on the species involved and the ecological context. The aim of this work was to infer the role that such interactions play in the population dynamics of psyllids and aphids in pear orchards. Interactions were inferred from field data and periodical sampling along a 4-year study, and from interaction assays performed under controlled conditions. RESULTS A decline in the abundance of the pear psyllid (Cacopsylla pyri L.), parallel to an increase in the abundance of aphids, was registered over 4 years. Ants were the dominant species, representing about 90% of the predators, followed by spiders and predatory hemipterans (namely Pilophorus gallicus Remane). Ant abundance increased over the 4 years, matching the population dynamics of aphids. Evidence of mutualistic and antagonistic interactions were found for ant-aphid and ant-psyllid, respectively: (i) ant-aphid abundances on pear trees were positively correlated, and ants reduced predation on aphids by generalist predators, and (ii) ant-psyllid abundances were negatively correlated, ants have a negative effect on the psyllid population growth rates, and ants were found to prey on the psyllid. CONCLUSIONS Because of their high abundance in comparison with other predators and the mutualistic-antagonistic relationships with aphids-psyllids, ants are considered to be the principal force behind the decline of pear psyllid populations and the increase in aphid numbers. In summary, ants contribute positively to biological control by the suppresion of pests (i.e. the psyllid) which are more damaging than those they protect (i.e. aphids). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Sanchez
- Biological Control and Ecosystem Services Laboratory, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA), Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena López-Gallego
- Biological Control and Ecosystem Services Laboratory, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA), Murcia, Spain
| | - Michelangelo La-Spina
- Biological Control and Ecosystem Services Laboratory, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA), Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu Y, Xu C, Li Q, Zhou A. Interference Competition for Mutualism between Ant Species Mediates Ant-Mealybug Associations. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11020091. [PMID: 32024041 PMCID: PMC7073949 DOI: 10.3390/insects11020091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ant-hemipteran mutualism has been well documented, and many studies have reported the interference competition between ant species for the mutualism. However, little is known on how this interference competition impacts the reciprocally beneficial association. Previous studies demonstrated that the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) has established close mutual relationship with the ghost ant Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius). The sympatric ants, Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille) and Tetramorium bicarinatum (Nylander) were frequently observed to compete for nutrient honeydew produced by P. solenopsis with T. melanocephalum. Herein, we investigated the effects of interference competition between the ant species on the ant-mealybug interactions. Phenacoccus solenopsis benefited from the tending by T. melanocephalum and P. longicornis. Interference competition between T. melanocephalum and P. longicornis interrupted the mutualism, suppressed the trailing activity of both species, but negligibly influenced the parasitism of Aenasius bambawalei Hayat, a solitary endoparasitoid of P. solenopsis. Harmonia axyridis, a predator of P. solenopsis, showed a significant avoidance when encountering with T. melanocephalum or P. longicornis, but not T. bicarinatum. Ant workers showed higher aggressiveness and lower exploratory activity when T. melanocephalum encountered P. longicornis. However, competition between T. melanocephalum and T. bicarinatum seldom influenced the trailing and exploratory activity of T. melanocephalum. It is concluded that interference competition for mutualism between ant species can mediate ant-mealybug associations and the fitness of mealybug colony. Our results also demonstrate that the effects of interference competition between ant species on ant-mealybug mutualism are varied among ant species.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lach L, Volp TM, Wilder SM. Previous diet affects the amount but not the type of bait consumed by an invasive ant. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:2627-2633. [PMID: 30706632 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research on multiple invasive ant species has revealed the importance of carbohydrates for achieving high activity levels and outcompeting native ants. However, comparatively little is known about the role of diet and macronutrient preferences for uptake of insecticidal baits used to control invasive ants. We tested whether diet affected yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes Fr Smith) survival and behavior, and whether bait preference would be complementary to past diet. RESULTS We found that colonies fed only crickets for 28 days had fewer live workers and queens, and less brood per live queen than colonies fed crickets + honeydew but did not differ significantly from colonies fed only honeydew. Colonies that had been fed only crickets were more active (as assessed by interaction with a novel object), retrieved 16-17 times more bait per worker overall, and consumed more of the six bait types than cricket + honeydew and honeydew-only fed colonies. However, prior diet did not affect bait choice. The two highest sugar bait formulations combined accounted for most of the bait consumed across all treatments (cricket-only 74.8% ± 28.1; cricket + honeydew 69.2% ± 12.4; honeydew-only 62.5% ± 30.4). CONCLUSION Yellow crazy ant colonies fare better without protein than without carbohydrates. Yellow crazy ants ate the most bait when fed only crickets but did not choose baits complementary to their previous diet. Baits in a sugar-rich carrier may be most effective for the control of yellow crazy ants, regardless of the relative availability of macronutrients. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lori Lach
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, PO Box 6811, Cairns, QLD, 4870
| | - Trevor M Volp
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, PO Box 6811, Cairns, QLD, 4870
| | - Shawn M Wilder
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
George J, Shi Q, Stelinski LL, Stover E, Lapointe SL. Host Selection, Oviposition and Feeding by a Phytopathogen Vector, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), Modulated by Plant Exposure to Formic Acid. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
|
9
|
Tena A, Senft M, Desneux N, Dregni J, Heimpel GE. The influence of aphid-produced honeydew on parasitoid fitness and nutritional state: A comparative study. Basic Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
10
|
Vilela AA, Del-Claro K. Effects of different ant species on the attendance of neighbouring hemipteran colonies and the outcomes for the host plant. J NAT HIST 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2018.1432774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Andrade Vilela
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental e Interações, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brasil
| | - Kleber Del-Claro
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental e Interações, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Verification of Argentine ant defensive compounds and their behavioral effects on heterospecific competitors and conspecific nestmates. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1477. [PMID: 29367727 PMCID: PMC5784131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) has become established worldwide in regions with Mediterranean or subtropical climates. The species typically disrupts the balance of natural ecosystems by competitively displacing some native ant species via strong exploitation and interference competition. Here we report that Argentine ants utilize glandular secretions for inter and intra-specific communications during aggressive interactions with a heterospecific competitor, California harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex californicus). Chemical analyses indicated that Argentine ants deploy glandular secretions containing two major volatile iridoids, dolichodial and iridomyrmecin, on the competitor's cuticular surface during aggressive interactions. Bioassays indicated that the glandular secretions function as a defensive allomone, causing high levels of irritation in the heterospecific. Furthermore, the same glandular secretions elicited alarm and attraction of conspecific nestmates, potentially enabling more rapid/coordinated defense by the Argentine ants. Two major volatile constituents of the glandular secretion, dolichodial and iridomyrmecin, were sufficient to elicit these responses in conspecifics (as a mixture or individual compounds). The current study suggests that invasive Argentine ants' superior exploitation and interference competition may rely on the species' effective semiochemical parsimony.
Collapse
|
12
|
Beltrà A, Navarro-Campos C, Calabuig A, Estopà L, Wäckers FL, Pekas A, Soto A. Association between ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and the vine mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in table-grape vineyards in Eastern Spain. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:2473-2480. [PMID: 28608474 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a key pest of grapevine in the Mediterranean Basin. Some honeydew collecting ant species are known to increase mealybug populations in other grape-growing regions. However, there is scarce information on either the ant species present in Mediterranean vineyards or their impact on mealybugs. We conducted a study in four commercial vineyards in Eastern Spain in order to i) identify the ant species foraging on the vine canopies, ii) study the association among ant activity, vine mealybug abundance and fruit damage, and iii) test a novel method for ant management, distracting ants from guarding vine mealybugs by providing sugar dispensers. RESULTS We recorded three ant species native to the Mediterranean foraging on the vine canopies: Lasius grandis (Forel), Pheidole pallidula (Nylander) and Plagiolepis schmitzii (Forel). The mean percentage of damaged fruits per vine was positively correlated with the number of vine mealybugs captured in traps placed at the trunk. We detected a positive but weak relationship between ant activity, vine mealybug abundance and fruit damage. The provisioning of sugar dispensers reduced the number of ants foraging on the vines by 23.4% although this reduction was not statistically significant. Vine mealybug abundance was significantly reduced (72%) after sugar provisioning. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the ant species native to vineyards in eastern Spain induce population increases of the vine mealybug. Moreover, the provisioning of sugars can be a valuable tool for ant management and mealybug control. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleixandre Beltrà
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterraneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | | | - Altea Calabuig
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterraneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | - Luis Estopà
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterraneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | - Felix L Wäckers
- Research & Development Department, Biobest Belgium N.V., Westerlo, Belgium
| | - Apostolos Pekas
- Research & Development Department, Biobest Belgium N.V., Westerlo, Belgium
| | - Antonia Soto
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterraneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tay JW, Hoddle MS, Mulchandani A, Choe DH. Development of an alginate hydrogel to deliver aqueous bait for pest ant management. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:2028-2038. [PMID: 28517237 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insecticide sprays used for ant control cause environmental contamination. Liquid bait is a safe and effective alternative, but it requires bait stations to dispense the toxicant. We developed a biodegradable hydrogel to deliver liquid bait obviating the need for bait stations. RESULTS Alginate hydrogel beads with preferred rigidity and maximum hydration in 25% sucrose solution were engineered by optimizing a crosslinking process. The moisture content of the substrate on which the beads were placed and the relative atmospheric humidity significantly influenced water loss dynamics of the hydrated hydrogel beads. Laboratory choice studies indicated that hydrated hydrogel beads had reduced palatability to foraging ants when they lost ≥50% water. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated that the insecticide thiamethoxam added to sucrose solution was absorbed into the hydrogel beads. Hydrogel beads conditioned in sucrose solution with 1 mg L-1 thiamethoxam provided complete control of all castes of Argentine ant Linepithema humile (Mayr) colony by 14 days post treatment in the laboratory trial and provided a 79% reduction in ant activity after 8 weeks in the field trial. CONCLUSION Alginate hydrogel beads provided an effective delivery system for liquid baits laced with low concentrations of insecticide to control Argentine ants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Tay
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Hoddle
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ashok Mulchandani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Dong-Hwan Choe
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lapointe SL, Hall DG, George J. A Phagostimulant Blend for the Asian Citrus Psyllid. J Chem Ecol 2016; 42:941-951. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-016-0745-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
15
|
Tena A, Wäckers FL, Heimpel GE, Urbaneja A, Pekas A. Parasitoid nutritional ecology in a community context: the importance of honeydew and implications for biological control. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2016; 14:100-104. [PMID: 27436654 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
One focus of conservation biological control studies has been to improve the nutritional state and fitness of parasitoids by adding nectar and artificial sugars to agroecosystems. This approach has largely overlooked the presence of honeydew, which is likely the primary carbohydrate source available to parasitoids in many agroecosystems. Over the last decade, it has been demonstrated that parasitoids often utilize this sugar source and there is evidence that honeydew can indirectly impact the population dynamics of herbivores through its nutritional value for parasitoids. The consumption of honeydew by parasitoids can shape direct and indirect interactions with other arthropods. The strength of these effects will depend on: first, parasitoid biology, second, the presence of other sugar sources (mainly nectar), third, the quality and quantity of the honeydew, and fourth, the presence and competitive strength of other honeydew consumers such as ants. The combination of these four factors is expected to result in distinct scenarios that should be analyzed for each agroecosystem. This analysis can reveal opportunities to increase the biocontrol services provided by parasitoids. Moreover, honeydew can be a resource-rich habitat for insect pathogens; or contain plant secondary chemicals sequestered by hemipterans or systemic insecticides toxic for the parasitoid. Their presence and effect on parasitoid fitness will need to be addressed in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Tena
- Unidad Asociada de Entomología UJI-IVIA, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones, Agrarias, IVIA, Spain.
| | - Felix L Wäckers
- Biobest, Ilse Velden 18, 2260 Westerlo, Belgium; Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - George E Heimpel
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States
| | - Alberto Urbaneja
- Unidad Asociada de Entomología UJI-IVIA, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones, Agrarias, IVIA, Spain
| | - Apostolos Pekas
- Biobest, Ilse Velden 18, 2260 Westerlo, Belgium; Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kistner EJ, Amrich R, Castillo M, Strode V, Hoddle MS. Phenology of Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae), With Special Reference to Biological Control by Tamarixia radiata , in the Residential Landscape of Southern California. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 109:1047-1057. [PMID: 26957552 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tow021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 2008, the pestiferous Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), has become widely established in residential citrus trees throughout southern California. In 2011, Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a host-specific parasitoid of D. citri , sourced from Punjab Pakistan, was introduced into California as part of a classical biological program aimed at suppressing D. citri populations in urban areas. Despite these release efforts, little is known about the population dynamics of D. citri in urban citrus or the efficacy of T. radiata in controlling psyllid populations in urban-grown citrus. To address this shortcoming, the population phenology of D. citri was monitored biweekly for 2-3 yr on five different host plants (Rutaceae) at 11 residential sites across Riverside and Los Angeles Counties in southern California. Citrus flush growth patterns and parasitoid activity levels were also assessed. Urban D. citri populations were present year round at each site, with highest densities occurring over July through November. Temperature was an important indicator of overall D. citri densities with positive correlations across all life stages. Regularly flushing lime trees consistently supported the highest densities of psyllid eggs and nymphs, while equally vigorous flushing curry leaf plants supported the highest adult densities. While T. radiata activity was detected at all sites, average year-round percent parasitism was low throughout the study, averaging <5% in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Collapse
|
17
|
Hoddle MS, Warner K, Steggall J, Jetter KM. Classical Biological Control of Invasive Legacy Crop Pests: New Technologies Offer Opportunities to Revisit Old Pest Problems in Perennial Tree Crops. INSECTS 2014; 6:13-37. [PMID: 26463063 PMCID: PMC4553525 DOI: 10.3390/insects6010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Advances in scientific disciplines that support classical biological control have provided "new tools" that could have important applications for biocontrol programs for some long-established invasive arthropod pests. We suggest that these previously unavailable tools should be used in biological control programs targeting "legacy pests", even if they have been targets of previously unsuccessful biocontrol projects. Examples of "new tools" include molecular analyses to verify species identities and likely geographic area of origin, climate matching and ecological niche modeling, preservation of natural enemy genetic diversity in quarantine, the use of theory from invasion biology to maximize establishment likelihoods for natural enemies, and improved understanding of the interactions between natural enemy and target pest microbiomes. This review suggests that opportunities exist for revisiting old pest problems and funding research programs using "new tools" for developing biological control programs for "legacy pests" could provide permanent suppression of some seemingly intractable pest problems. As a case study, we use citricola scale, Coccus pseudomagnoliarum, an invasive legacy pest of California citrus, to demonstrate the potential of new tools to support a new classical biological control program targeting this insect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Hoddle
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Keith Warner
- Center for Science, Technology, and Society, Santa Clara University, CA 95053, USA.
| | - John Steggall
- California Department of Food and Agriculture, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA.
| | - Karen M Jetter
- UC Agricultural Issues Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|