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Mogensen AL, Andersen LB, Sørensen JG, Offenberg J. Manipulated ants: inducing loyalty to sugar feeders with an alkaloid. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3445-3450. [PMID: 38407544 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8049] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wood ants are promising biocontrol agents in fruit plantations because they prey on pest insects and inhibit plant diseases. However, these ants also attend plant-feeding homopterans to harvest their honeydew secretions, thereby increasing their numbers. This problem can be solved by offering ants alternative sugar sources that are more attractive than honeydew. From natural interactions, it is known that some species manipulate mutualistic partners toward loyalty by adding alkaloids to the food they offer their mutualists. Inspired by this, the addition of alkaloids might be used to make ants loyal to artificial sugar feeders and thus used to reduce populations of ant-farmed homopterans in ant-mediated biological control. We aimed to explore whether wood ants (Formica polyctena) would develop a taste preference for morphine-containing sugar solutions in two-choice laboratory tests. RESULTS After having fed on a morphine/sugar solution for 1 week, ants showed a significant preference for morphine solutions compared with equal concentration sugar solutions without morphine. Furthermore, ants lost this preference after 6-9 days on a morphine-free diet. CONCLUSION The results show that wood ants react to morphine in their food, enabling chemical manipulation of their behavior, most likely through a taste preference. Thus, ants are susceptible to manipulation by mutualistic partners in natural interactions and furthermore may be manipulated artificially in biocontrol programs to avoid ant-mediated build-up of homopteran populations. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Lander Mogensen
- Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Laurits Bundgaard Andersen
- Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Exélis MP, Ramli R, Abdul Latif SA, Idris AH, Clemente-Orta G, Kermorvant C. Elucidating the daily foraging activity pattern of Oecophylla smaragdina to minimize bite nuisances in Asia large agro-system plantations. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26105. [PMID: 38434038 PMCID: PMC10906178 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Oecophylla smaragdina F., the Asian weaver ant, is one of the oil palm plantation's (Elaeis guineensis) potential predators, for the invasive bagworm species Metisa plana Walker, but this ant is a nuisance species that irritates plantation workers with their sharp bites. Here we assess the foraging activities (FA) of O. smaragdina's major workers, identify its inactive times and the existence of supervision, a novelty for social insects. Between 2018 and 2022, the pattern of trunk foraging activity was used as a mitigation measure. The relationship between trunk FA and air temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), air pressure (AP), and rainfall interception (RI) was also investigated. Our results showed that, O. smaragdina is a strictly diurnal ant species, has little to no crepuscular activity, and stopped foraging during darkness. Moreover, veteran bigger workers systematically acted as supervisors by monitoring trails, intercepting, and bringing back to nests smaller individuals during heat peaks. In relation to population size relative abundance, all colonies displayed greater intensity during the warmest daily periods with higher mean forager density among the bigger colony, regardless of the dry-rainy intervals corresponded to minimal activity from late scotophase to early photophase and showed a bimodal pattern. Thus, forager activity peaked between 1100-1530 h and 1745-1845 h, and an average two-fold daily sudden decrease in intensity between 1620 and 1650 h as a partial cut-off period (first report). Furthermore, foraging activity, AT, AP showed a significant positive correlation while RH was negative. Finally, we found that from the base palm trunks, defensive territorial layers extended to 5 m on average with different spatial configurations indicating greater foraging density within the first 2 m. Our study shows O. smaragdina daily low activity periods, before 1000 h, being the most suitable to avoid forager attacks to facilitate pruning and harvesting tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moïse Pierre Exélis
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Lembah Pantai, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Direction de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche, Hôtel de la Collectivité Territoriale de la Martinique (CTM), Rue Gaston Defferre - Cluny - CS 30137, 97201, Fort-de-France, Martinique
| | - Rosli Ramli
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Lembah Pantai, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Samshul Amry Abdul Latif
- Research & Innovation - Kulliyyah of Languages and Management, International Islamic University Malaysia, KM 1, Jalan Panchor, 84600, Pagoh, Muar, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Azarae Hj Idris
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Lembah Pantai, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gemma Clemente-Orta
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICA-CSIC), C/ Serrano 115 dpdo., 28006, Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Producció Vegetal i Ciència Forestal, AGROTECNIO Center, Universitat de Lleida, Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Claire Kermorvant
- Applied Mathematics Consultancy for Environmental Data Analysis - StatEnCo, Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, Pays Basque, France
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Vandermeer J, Perfecto I. Combining intransitive and higher-order effects in a coupled oscillator framework: A case study of an ant community. Ecology 2024; 105:e4218. [PMID: 38032663 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of literature recognizes that pairwise species interactions are not necessarily an appropriate metaphorical molecule of community ecology. Two examples are intransitive competition and nonlinear higher-order effects. While these two processes have been discussed extensively, the explicit analysis of how the two of them behave when simultaneously part of the same dynamic system has not yet been explored theoretically. A concrete situation exists on coffee farms in Puerto Rico in which three ant species form an intransitive competitive triplet, and that triplet is strongly influenced, nonlinearly, by a fly parasitoid that modifies the competitive ability of one of the species. Using this arrangement as a template, we explore the dynamical consequences with a simple ordinary differential equation (ODE) model. Results are complicated and include alternative periodic and chaotic attractors. The qualitative structures of those complications, however, may be approximately retrieved from the basic natural history of the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Vandermeer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ivette Perfecto
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Cowal S, Morris JR, Jiménez-Soto E, Philpott SM. Naturally Occurring Vegetation Connectivity Facilitates Ant-Mediated Coffee Berry Borer Removal. INSECTS 2023; 14:869. [PMID: 37999068 PMCID: PMC10672115 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Vegetation connectivity is an essential aspect of the habitat complexity that impacts species interactions at local scales. However, agricultural intensification reduces connectivity in agroforestry systems, including coffee agroecosystems, which may hinder the movement of natural enemies and reduce the ecosystem services that they provide. Ants play an important role in regulating the coffee berry borer (CBB), which is the most damaging coffee pest. For arboreal ant communities, the connections between trees are important structures that facilitate ant mobility, resource recruitment, foraging success, and pest control ability. To better understand how connectivity impacts arboreal ants in coffee agroecosystems, we conducted an experiment to assess the impact of artificial (string) and naturally occurring vegetation (vines, leaves, branches) connectivity on Azteca sericeasur behavior on coffee plants. We compared ant activity, resource recruitment, and CBB removal rates across three connectivity treatments connecting coffee plants to A. sericeasur nest trees: vegetation connectivity, string, and control (not connected) treatments. We found higher rates of ant activity, resource recruitment, and CBB removal on plants with naturally occurring vegetation connections to A. sericeasur nest trees. Artificial connectivity (string) increased the rates of resource recruitment and CBB removal but to a lesser extent than vegetation connectivity. Moreover, vegetation connectivity buffered reductions in ant activity with distance from the ant nest tree. These results reinforce how habitat complexity in the form of vegetation connectivity impacts interspecific interactions at the local scale. Our results also suggest that leaving some degree of vegetation connectivity between coffee plants and shade trees can promote ant-mediated biological pest control in coffee systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanya Cowal
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
| | - Jonathan R. Morris
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Estelí Jiménez-Soto
- Geography, Environmental Science and Policy, School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Stacy M. Philpott
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
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5
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Jensen IC, Hansen RR, Damgaard C, Offenberg J. Implementing wood ants in biocontrol: Suppression of apple scab and reduced aphid tending. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:2415-2422. [PMID: 36811225 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ants can become efficient biocontrol agents in plantation crops as they prey on pest insects and may inhibit plant pathogens by excreting broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, ants also provide a disservice by augmenting attended honeydew producing homopterans. This disservice may be avoided by offering ants artificial sugar as an alternative to honeydew. Here we tested the effect of artificial sugar feeding on aphid abundance in an apple plot with wood ants (Formica polyctena, Förster), and tested the effect of ant presence on apple scab (Venturia inaequalis, Cooke) disease incidence. RESULTS Over a 2-year period, sugar feeding eliminated ant-attended aphid populations on the apple trees. Furthermore, scab symptoms on both leaves and apples were reduced considerably on ant trees compared to control trees without ants. The presence of ants on the trees reduced leaf scab infections by 34%, whereas spot numbers on fruits were reduced by between 53 and 81%, depending on apple variety. In addition, the spots were 56% smaller. CONCLUSION This shows that problems with wood ant-attended homopterans can be solved and that ants can control both insect pests and plant pathogens. We therefore propose wood ants as a new effective biocontrol agent suitable for implementation in apple orchards and possibly other plantation crops. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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6
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Smargiassi S, Masoni A, Frizzi F, Balzani P, Desiato E, Benelli G, Canale A, Santini G. Keep Your Eggs Away: Ant Presence Reduces Ceratitis capitata Oviposition Behaviour through Trait-Mediated Indirect Interactions. INSECTS 2023; 14:532. [PMID: 37367348 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Alternative methods to achieve sustainable agricultural production while reducing the use of chemical pesticides, such as biological control, are increasingly needed. The exploitation of trait-mediated indirect interactions (TMIIs), in which pests modify their behavior in response to some cues (e.g., pheromones and other semiochemicals) to avoid predation risk, may be a possible strategy. In this study, we tested the effect of TMIIs of two Mediterranean ant species, Crematogaster scutellaris and Tapinoma nigerrimum, on the oviposition behaviour of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), one of the world's most economically damaging pests, which attacks fruits. For each ant species, we performed choice experiments using ant-scented and control plums, counting the time spent by medflies on fruits and the number of pupae emerging from them. Results of both ant species tests showed a significantly shorter time spent by ovipositing medflies on ant-exposed plums and a lower number of pupae, when compared to the control group. Our findings highlighted that the semiochemicals released by ants on plums triggered an avoidance behaviour by medfly females, leading to lower oviposition rates. This study contributes to the understanding of indirect ant-pest interactions in Mediterranean agricultural settings and points out the potential of utilising ant-borne semiochemicals in sustainable IPM strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Masoni
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Filippo Frizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Paride Balzani
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Elisa Desiato
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo Canale
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Santini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
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Nagari M, Charter M. Comparing Insect Predation by Birds and Insects in an Apple Orchard and Neighboring Unmanaged Habitat: Implications for Ecosystem Services. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1785. [PMID: 37889713 PMCID: PMC10252115 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Preserving ecosystem services, such as natural enemies that can provide pest control, can positively impact crops without compromising agricultural yield. Even though controlling pests by natural enemies has been suggested to reduce pests in agriculture, growers continue using conventional pesticides that kill beneficial predators. Here we studied whether the predation of avian and insect-beneficial predators varies in an apple orchard with conventional insecticide use compared to a bordering tree stand without insecticides. We studied the predation rates of mealworm pupae as a proxy to coddling moth pupae at 42 stations in both an apple orchard and a Eucalyptus stand at three distances (0 m, 50 m, and 100 m) from the border. Half of the stations were netted to prevent bird predation but were accessible to insects. The other half were non-netted and accessible to birds. We conducted six trials, each lasting two weeks, during which we recorded the predation of 504 stations with 5040 pupae. To validate which species predated the pupae, we added video cameras that took RGB videos during the day and IR videos at night in 45 stations and found that in net-free stations, birds preyed in 94.1% of stations in the orchard and 81.8% in the Eucalyptus stand. However, ants predated 70% of the pupae in stations with nets in the orchards and 100% in stations in the Eucalyptus strands. In addition, we found a significant rise in predation by birds as the distance into the orchard increased. Conversely, insect predation declined within the orchard but escalated in the adjacent unmanaged area. These findings suggest that the orchard's environment negatively affects beneficial insect activity, specifically predatory ants. This study demonstrates that birds can play an essential role in predating insect pests inside the orchard. In addition, we believe that the decreased predation of ants within the orchard was due to intense insecticide use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Nagari
- Shamir Research Institute, University of Haifa, Katzrin 1290000, Israel
| | - Motti Charter
- Shamir Research Institute, University of Haifa, Katzrin 1290000, Israel
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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8
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Vercher R, González S, Sánchez-Domingo A, Sorribas J. A Novel Insect Overwintering Strategy: The Case of Mealybugs. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14050481. [PMID: 37233109 DOI: 10.3390/insects14050481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Insects have limited ability to regulate their body temperature and have thus required a range of strategies to withstand thermally stressful environments. Under unfavorable winter conditions, insects often take refuge under the soil surface to survive. Here, the mealybug insect family was selected for the study. Field experiments were performed in fruit orchards in eastern Spain. We used specifically designed floor sampling methods combined with fruit tree canopy pheromone traps. We found that in temperate climates, the large majority of the mealybugs move from the tree canopy to the roots during the winter, where they turn into belowground root-feeding herbivores to survive and continue underground the reproductive process. Within the rhizosphere, mealybugs complete at least one generation before emerging on the soil surface. The preferred area to overwinter is within 1 m in diameter around the fruit tree trunk, where more than 12,000 mealybug flying males per square meter can emerge every spring. This overwintering pattern has not previously been reported for any other group of insects showing cold avoidance behavior. These findings have implications at the winter ecology level but also at the agronomical level since treatments to control mealybug pests are, until now, only based on the fruit trees' canopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Vercher
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural, Universitat Politènica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra González
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural, Universitat Politènica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Adrián Sánchez-Domingo
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural, Universitat Politènica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Sorribas
- Universitat Politènica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Aponte Rolón B, Perfecto I. Between two trees: Environmental effects of
I. micheliana
and
A. latifolia
on leaf litter ants in a coffee agroecosystem. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bolívar Aponte Rolón
- School for Environment and Sustainability University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA
| | - Ivette Perfecto
- School for Environment and Sustainability University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA
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10
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Schifani E, Giannetti D, Grasso DA. Predatory Abilities of Two Mediterranean Ants on the Eggs and Larvae of the Codling Moth Cydia pomonella. INSECTS 2023; 14:97. [PMID: 36835666 PMCID: PMC9967414 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The predatory ability of ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) against insect pests can offer an important service to agricultural activities and may sometimes be directly exploited in biological control strategies. The codling moth Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) is a major agricultural pest of fruit orchards, whose biological control is complicated by the fact that the larvae spend most of their life protected within the fruits they damage. In a recent experiment in Europe, pear trees in which ant activity was artificially increased by the addition of sugary liquid dispensers (artificial nectaries) suffered less damage caused by the larvae to their fruits. While some ants were already known to prey upon the mature larvae or pupae of C. pomonella in the soil, prevention of fruit damage would require predation upon eggs or newly hatched larvae, which have not yet excavated into the fruits. We verified whether two different Mediterranean ants frequently observed in fruit orchards, Crematogaster scutellaris and Tapinoma magnum, were able to prey upon C. pomonella eggs and larvae in laboratory conditions. Our experiments demonstrated that both species similarly attacked and killed young C. pomonella larvae. On the other hand, the eggs mostly attracted the attention of T. magnum but were never damaged. Further field assessments are required to understand whether ants may also interfere with oviposition by adults or whether larger ant species, although generally rarer in orchards, may also prey upon eggs.
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Rocher L, Blaya R, Blaise C, Bischoff A, Blight O. Species And Functional Responses Of Ants To Inter-Row Tillage And Vegetation In Organic Mediterranean Vineyards. Basic Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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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.
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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
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13
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Diversity of ground-dwelling ants in sugarcane plantations under different management systems. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467421000481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In this study, we compared the richness of ground-dwelling ants among three different sugarcane management systems (with the application of the insecticide fipronil and the addition of vinasse; with fipronil and no vinasse; and with vinasse and no fipronil, i.e., an organic production system) to evaluate whether the feeding/foraging types vary according to the management system. We tested the hypothesis that organic management increases species diversity because there is no use of chemical inputs. Estimated species richness was significantly higher in the organic management system than in the systems that used fipronil with vinasse. Generalists species were prevalent in all sugarcane fields, regardless of the production system, whereas predatory and fungivorous species were infrequent. However, the organically managed field had many predatory species. Our results suggest that fipronil with vinasse in sugarcane cultivation alters the ant community, possibly disrupting the functions performed by the edaphic fauna, such as control of arthropod crop pests, due to reduced predator species richness.
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Botti JMC, Martins EF, Franzin ML, Venzon M. Predation of Coffee Berry Borer by a Green Lacewing. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:160-163. [PMID: 34255264 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-021-00884-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We report here for the first time, the predation of coffee berry borer (CBB) Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) by a green lacewing species, Chrysoperla externa (Hagen). We showed in laboratory the predator ability to access CBB galleries, remove pest immature stages, and prey on them. We also observed predation by third instar larvae on CBB adults. With this note, we add a new predator to the reported list of species still little explored of CBB control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Madelaine Venzon
- Agriculture and Livestock Research Enterprise of Minas Gerais (EPAMIG), Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
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15
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Diversity and Distribution of Forest Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Nepal: Implications for Sustainable Forest Management. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121128. [PMID: 34940216 PMCID: PMC8707472 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary There is little information available about the species diversity and distribution patterns of Nepalese ants, as well as their importance in maintaining forest health. A survey of forest ants was conducted in Nepal to learn about their diversity, distribution, and role in forest management. Ants were collected using vegetation beating, sweeping, and hand collection methods in eastern, central, and western Nepal. Seventy ant species from thirty-six genera and six subfamilies were recorded in the study. The research also discovered five genera and nine species new for the country, as well as eight tramp species, four of which are major ecological, agricultural, and/or household pests. The study discovered that western Nepal and the Siwalik region have a relatively high ant diversity. Ant diversity was found to decrease with increasing elevation. The assessment of ant diversity using multiple sampling methods that cover all seasons and forest types may be useful in obtaining complete ant diversity data. Early intervention through sustainable forest management initiatives would aid in preventing invasive ant incursions in the forests of Nepal. Abstract The information available on the diversity of ant species and their distribution and interaction with forest health in Nepal remains limited. As part of a nationwide project on forest health, we conducted inventories to assess the diversity and distribution of forest ants and their role in forest management in Nepal. Ants were collected from 187 plots of 10 m × 10 m size along the north–south belt transects in eastern, central, and western Nepal. We used vegetation beating, sweeping, and hand collection methods in selected forest types. In each transect, we designed six plots in each major forest type (Sal, Schima–Castanopsis, and broadleaf mixed forests) and three plots each in deodar, Alnus, riverine, and Cryptomeria forests. We recorded 70 ant species from 36 genera and six subfamilies. This includes five genera and nine species new for the country, as well as eight tramp species, four of which are major ecological, agricultural, and/or household pests. Our study indicates that forest ant species richness is high in western Nepal and the Siwaliks, and it decreases as elevation increases. The high diversity of ant species in the forests of Nepal needs to be assessed with further exploration using multiple sampling methods covering all seasons and forest types. Ants can be useful indicators for ecosystem management and human impacts on forests. Reports of invasive ants in Nepalese forests indicate the relevance of urgent interventions through sustainable forest management initiatives to prevent future incursions.
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Abstract
Coffee plants host several herbivorous species, but only few are considered pests. Brazil is the largest coffee producer of the world, and the two key coffee pests of the crop in the country are the coffee leaf miner Leucoptera coffeella and the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei. However, in some regions or on specific conditions, species of mites and scales can also cause damage to coffee plants. Conventional management of coffee pests relies on chemical pesticides, and it is the most commonly used strategy in Brazil, but environmental problems, pest resistance, and toxicity-related issues have led coffee growers to search for alternatives for pest control. Agro-ecological strategies suitable to coffee cultivation can be adopted by farmers, based on plant diversification, in order to provide resources for natural enemies, such as nectar, pollen, shelter, microclimate conditions, and oviposition sites, thereby promoting conservation biological control. Here I revise these strategies and report the results from research in Brazil. I include results on agroforestry, use of cover crops, and non-crop plant management. These are complemented by curative measures based on the use of organic farming-approved pesticides that can be employed when the agro-ecological practices are not yet consolidated. I also present the cultural control method used by several coffee producers in Brazil to decrease coffee berry borer damage.
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Offenberg J, Jensen IC, Hansen RR. Combatting plant diseases with ant chemicals: A review and meta‐analysis. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ratnadass A, Deguine JP. Crop protection practices and viral zoonotic risks within a One Health framework. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145172. [PMID: 33610983 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent viral zoonotic epidemics have been attributed partially to the negative impact of human activities on ecosystem biodiversity. Agricultural activities, particularly conventional crop protection (CP) practices, are a major threat to global biodiversity, ecosystem health and human health. Here we review interactions between CP practices and viral zoonoses (VZs), the first time this has been done. It should be noted that a) VZs stand at the interface between human, animal and ecosystem health; b) some VZs involve arthropod vectors that are affected by CP practices; and c) some crop pests, or their natural enemies are vertebrate reservoirs/carriers of certain VZs, and their contact with humans or domestic animals is affected by CP practices. Our review encompasses examples highlighting interactions between VZs and CP practices, both efficiency improvement-based (i.e. conventional with agrochemical insecticides and rodenticides), substitution-based (i.e. mainly with physical/mechanical or biopesticidal pest control), and redesign-based (i.e. mainly with conservation biological pest control, including some forms of crop-livestock integration). These CP practices mainly target arthropod and vertebrate pests. They also target, to a lesser extent, weeds and plant pathogens. Conventional and some physical/mechanical control methods and some forms of biopesticidal and crop-livestock integration practices were found to have mixed outcomes in terms of VZ risk management. Conversely, practices based on biological control by habitat conservation of arthropod or vertebrate natural enemies, falling within the Agroecological Crop Protection (ACP) framework, result in VZ prevention at various scales (local to global, and short-term to long-term). ACP addresses major global challenges including climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and animal welfare, and helps integrate plant health within the extended "One Health" concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Ratnadass
- CIRAD, UPR HortSys, F-97455 Saint-Pierre, Réunion, France; HortSys, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France.
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Singh A, Mayer VE, Zytynska SE, Hesse B, Weisser WW. The Efficiency of Plant Defense: Aphid Pest Pressure Does Not Alter Production of Food Rewards by Okra Plants in Ant Presence. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:627570. [PMID: 33790922 PMCID: PMC8005652 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.627570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pearl bodies are produced by some plant species as food reward for ants and in exchange, ants defend these plants against insect pests. Sap-sucking pests such as aphids also excrete honeydew as food reward for ants, leading to potential conflict where ants could preferentially defend either the plant or the aphid. How pest insects might influence plant pearl body production, is yet to be investigated. Okra is a widely consumed vegetable worldwide and is attacked by the ant-tended cotton aphid. The plants produce pearl bodies, which are predominantly found on the underside of the leaves and formed from epidermal cells. We conducted a set of field and greenhouse experiments to explore plant-aphid-ant interactions, their influence on pearl body production and resulting performance of okra plants, across okra varieties. We found that ants of Pheidole genus, which are dominant in okra fields, preferred pearl bodies over aphid honeydew; although, their highest abundance was recorded in presence of both these food rewards, and on one okra variety. Removal of pearl bodies from the plants increased their production; however, plant growth and chlorophyll content were negatively associated with pearl body replenishment. Potentially to mitigate this resource cost, plants developed such a novel defense response because we found that aphid presence reduced pearl body production, but only when there were no ants. Finally, aphids negatively affected plant performance, but only at very high densities. As aphids also attract ants, plants may tolerate their presence at low densities to attract higher ant abundances. Our study highlights that plants can adapt their defense strategies in pest presence for efficient resource use. We suggest that understanding pearl body associated interactions in crop plants can assist in using such traits for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Singh
- Chair for Terrestrial Ecology, Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
- Agricultural Ecology Group, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Veronika E. Mayer
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, Division of Structural and Functional Botany, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Sharon E. Zytynska
- Chair for Terrestrial Ecology, Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Hesse
- Land Surface-Atmosphere Interactions, AG Ecophysiology of Plants, Department for Ecology and Ecosystem Management, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Wolfgang W. Weisser
- Chair for Terrestrial Ecology, Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
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Overton K, Hoffmann AA, Reynolds OL, Umina PA. Toxicity of Insecticides and Miticides to Natural Enemies in Australian Grains: A Review. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020187. [PMID: 33671702 PMCID: PMC7927080 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Continued prophylactic chemical control to reduce pest populations in Australian grain farming systems has limited the effectiveness of biological control via natural enemies in crops within an integrated pest management (IPM) framework. While a variety of data is available to infer potential non-target effects of chemicals on arthropod natural enemies, much of it may be irrelevant or difficult to access. Here, we synthesise the literature relevant to Australian grain crops and highlight current knowledge gaps for potential future investment. A range of testing methodologies have been utilised, often deviating from standardised International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) protocols. Consistent with findings from over 30 years ago, research has continued to occur predominantly at laboratory scales and on natural enemy families that are easily reared or commercially available. There is a paucity of data for many generalist predators, in particular for spiders, hoverflies, and rove and carabid beetles. Furthermore, very few studies have tested the effects of seed treatments on natural enemies, presenting a significant gap given the widespread global use of neonicotinoid seed treatments. There is a need to validate results obtained under laboratory conditions at industry-relevant scales and also prioritise testing on several key natural enemy species we have identified, which should assist with the adoption of IPM practices and decrease the reliance on broad-spectrum chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Overton
- Cesar Australia, 293 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (O.L.R.); (P.A.U.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ary A. Hoffmann
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Olivia L. Reynolds
- Cesar Australia, 293 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (O.L.R.); (P.A.U.)
| | - Paul A. Umina
- Cesar Australia, 293 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (O.L.R.); (P.A.U.)
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
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Perfecto I, Vandermeer J. The assembly and importance of a novel ecosystem: The ant community of coffee farms in Puerto Rico. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:12650-12662. [PMID: 33304482 PMCID: PMC7713940 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Agricultural ecosystems are by their very nature novel and by definition the more general biodiversity associated with them must likewise constitute a novel community. Here, we examine the community of arboreally foraging ants in the coffee agroecosystem of Puerto Rico. We surveyed 20 coffee plants in 25 farms three times in a period of one year. We also conducted a more spatially explicit sampling in two of the farms and conducted a species interaction study between the two most abundant species, Wasmannia auropunctata and Solenopsis invicta, in the laboratory. We find that the majority of the most common species are well-known invasive ants and that there is a highly variable pattern of dominance that varies considerably over the main coffee producing region of Puerto Rico, suggesting an unusual modality of community structure. The distribution pattern of the two most common species, W. auropunctata and S. invicta, suggests strong competitive exclusion. However, they also have opposite relationships with the percent of shade cover, with W. auropunctata showing a positive relationship with shade, while S. invicta has a negative relationship. The spatial distribution of these two dominant species in the two more intensively studied farms suggests that young colonies of S. invicta can displace W. auropunctata. Laboratory experiments confirm this. In addition to the elaboration of the nature and extent of this novel ant community, we speculate on the possibilities of its active inclusion as part of a biological control system dealing with several coffee pests, including one of the ants itself, W. auropunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivette Perfecto
- School for Environment and SustainabilityUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - John Vandermeer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
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Elizalde L, Arbetman M, Arnan X, Eggleton P, Leal IR, Lescano MN, Saez A, Werenkraut V, Pirk GI. The ecosystem services provided by social insects: traits, management tools and knowledge gaps. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1418-1441. [PMID: 32525288 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Social insects, i.e. ants, bees, wasps and termites, are key components of ecological communities, and are important ecosystem services (ESs) providers. Here, we review the literature in order to (i) analyse the particular traits of social insects that make them good suppliers of ESs; (ii) compile and assess management strategies that improve the services provided by social insects; and (iii) detect gaps in our knowledge about the services that social insects provide. Social insects provide at least 10 ESs; however, many of them are poorly understood or valued. Relevant traits of social insects include high biomass and numerical abundance, a diversity of mutualistic associations, the ability to build important biogenic structures, versatile production of chemical defences, the simultaneous delivery of several ESs, the presence of castes and division of labour, efficient communication and cooperation, the capacity to store food, and a long lifespan. All these characteristics enhance social insects as ES providers, highlighting their potential, constancy and efficiency as suppliers of these services. In turn, many of these traits make social insects stress tolerant and easy to manage, so increasing the ESs they provide. We emphasise the need for a conservation approach to the management of the services, as well as the potential use of social insects to help restore habitats degraded by human activities. In addition, we stress the need to evaluate both services and disservices in an integrated way, because some species of social insects are among the most problematic invasive species and native pests. Finally, we propose two areas of research that will lead to a greater and more efficient use of social insects as ES providers, and to a greater appreciation of them by producers and decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Elizalde
- LIHo - Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Marina Arbetman
- Ecopol, INIBIOMA-CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Xavier Arnan
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalunya, Barcelona, E-08193, Spain
| | - Paul Eggleton
- Life Sciences Department, The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, U.K
| | - Inara R Leal
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - María Natalia Lescano
- LIHo - Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Agustín Saez
- Ecopol, INIBIOMA-CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Victoria Werenkraut
- LIHo - Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Gabriela I Pirk
- LIHo - Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
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Schifani E, Castracani C, Giannetti D, Spotti FA, Reggiani R, Leonardi S, Mori A, Grasso DA. New Tools for Conservation Biological Control: Testing Ant-Attracting Artificial Nectaries to Employ Ants as Plant Defenders. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11020129. [PMID: 32079350 PMCID: PMC7074267 DOI: 10.3390/insects11020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the role of ants in many agroecosystems is relatively scarce, and in temperate regions the possibility to exploit ants as biocontrol agents for crop protection is still largely unexplored. Drawing inspiration from mutualistic ant–plant relationships mediated by extrafloral nectaries (EFNs), we tested the use of artificial nectaries (ANs) in order to increase ant activity on pear trees and to evaluate the effects on the arthropods, plant health and fruit production. While EFNs secrete a complex solution mainly composed of sugars and amino acids, ANs were filled with water and sucrose only. The results suggest that ANs can be used as manipulative instruments to increase ant activity over long periods of time. High ant activity was significantly linked to lower incidence of the pathogen fungus Venturia pyrina (pear scab) on pear leaves, and of the presence of Cydia pomonella (codling moth) caterpillars on pear fruit production. These results further encourage exploring underrated possibilities in the development of new tools for conservation biological control (CBC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Schifani
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.G.); (F.A.S.); (S.L.); (A.M.); (D.A.G.)
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Cristina Castracani
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.G.); (F.A.S.); (S.L.); (A.M.); (D.A.G.)
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Daniele Giannetti
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.G.); (F.A.S.); (S.L.); (A.M.); (D.A.G.)
| | - Fiorenza Augusta Spotti
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.G.); (F.A.S.); (S.L.); (A.M.); (D.A.G.)
| | - Roberto Reggiani
- Azienda Agraria Sperimentale Stuard, Strada Madonna dell’Aiuto, 7/a, 43126 San Pancrazio, Parma, Italy;
| | - Stefano Leonardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.G.); (F.A.S.); (S.L.); (A.M.); (D.A.G.)
| | - Alessandra Mori
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.G.); (F.A.S.); (S.L.); (A.M.); (D.A.G.)
| | - Donato Antonio Grasso
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.G.); (F.A.S.); (S.L.); (A.M.); (D.A.G.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Offenberg
- Dept of Bioscience, Aarhus Univ. Vejlsøvej 25, DK‐8600 Silkeborg Aarhus 8000 Denmark
| | - Christian Damgaard
- Dept of Bioscience, Aarhus Univ. Vejlsøvej 25, DK‐8600 Silkeborg Aarhus 8000 Denmark
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Harrison RD, Thierfelder C, Baudron F, Chinwada P, Midega C, Schaffner U, van den Berg J. Agro-ecological options for fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith) management: Providing low-cost, smallholder friendly solutions to an invasive pest. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 243:318-330. [PMID: 31102899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Fall armyworm (FAW), a voracious agricultural pest native to North and South America, was first detected on the African continent in 2016 and has subsequently spread throughout the continent and across Asia. It has been predicted that FAW could cause up to $US13 billion per annum in crop losses throughout sub-Saharan Africa, thereby threatening the livelihoods of millions of poor farmers. In their haste to respond to FAW governments may promote indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides which, aside from human health and environmental risks, could undermine smallholder pest management strategies that depend to a large degree on natural enemies. Agro-ecological approaches offer culturally appropriate low-cost pest control strategies that can be readily integrated into existing efforts to improve smallholder incomes and resilience through sustainable intensification. Such approaches should therefore be promoted as a core component of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes for FAW in combination with crop breeding for pest resistance, classical biological control and selective use of safe pesticides. Nonetheless, the suitability of agro-ecological measures for reducing FAW densities and impact need to be carefully assessed across varied environmental and socio-economic conditions before they can be proposed for wide-scale implementation. To support this process, we review evidence for the efficacy of potential agro-ecological measures for controlling FAW and other pests, consider the associated risks, and draw attention to critical knowledge gaps. The evidence indicates that several measures can be adopted immediately. These include (i) sustainable soil fertility management, especially measures that maintain or restore soil organic carbon; (ii) intercropping with appropriately selected companion plants; and (iii) diversifying the farm environment through management of (semi)natural habitats at multiple spatial scales. Nevertheless, we recommend embedding trials into upscaling programmes so that the costs and benefits of these interventions may be determined across the diverse biophysical and socio-economic contexts that are found in the invaded range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhett D Harrison
- World Agroforestry Centre, 13 Elm Road, Woodlands, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Christian Thierfelder
- CIMMYT- Southern Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box MP 163, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Frédéric Baudron
- CIMMYT-Southern Africa Regional Office, P.O Box MP 163, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Peter Chinwada
- University of Zimbabwe, Department of Biological Sciences, PO Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Charles Midega
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Urs Schaffner
- CABI, Rue des Grillons 1, 2800, Delémont, Switzerland.
| | - Johnnie van den Berg
- IPM Program, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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Thurman JH, Northfield TD, Snyder WE. Weaver Ants Provide Ecosystem Services to Tropical Tree Crops. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Jimenez-Soto E, Morris JR, Letourneau DK, Philpott SM. Vegetation connectivity increases ant activity and potential for ant-provided biocontrol services in a tropical agroforest. Biotropica 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Estelí Jimenez-Soto
- Environmental Studies Department; University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz California
| | - Jonathan R. Morris
- School for Environment and Sustainability; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Deborah K. Letourneau
- Environmental Studies Department; University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz California
| | - Stacy M. Philpott
- Environmental Studies Department; University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz California
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Santos LA, Bischoff A, Fernandes OA. The effect of forest fragments on abundance, diversity and species composition of predatory ants in sugarcane fields. Basic Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Dejean A, Orivel J, Leponce M, Compin A, Delabie JHC, Azémar F, Corbara B. Ant–plant relationships in the canopy of an Amazonian rainforest: the presence of an ant mosaic. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Dejean
- Ecolab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- CNRS, UMR EcoFoG, AgroParisTech, Cirad, INRA, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Kourou, France
| | - Jérôme Orivel
- CNRS, UMR EcoFoG, AgroParisTech, Cirad, INRA, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Kourou, France
| | - Maurice Leponce
- Biodiversity Monitoring & Assessment, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS), Brussels, Belgium
- Behavioural & Evolutionary Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arthur Compin
- Ecolab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques H C Delabie
- U.P.A. Laboratório de Mirmecologia, Convênio UESC/CEPLAC, Itabuna, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Corbara
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LMGE, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Bagny Beilhe L, Piou C, Tadu Z, Babin R. Identifying Ant-Mirid Spatial Interactions to Improve Biological Control in Cacao-Based Agroforestry System. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 47:551-558. [PMID: 29509897 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvy018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of ants for biological control of insect pests was the first reported case of conservation biological control. Direct and indirect community interactions between ants and pests lead to differential spatial pattern. We investigated spatial interactions between mirids, the major cocoa pest in West Africa and numerically dominant ant species, using bivariate point pattern analysis to identify potential biological control agents. We assume that potential biological control agents should display negative spatial interactions with mirids considering their niche overlap. The mirid/ant data were collected in complex cacao-based agroforestry systems sampled in three agroecological areas over a forest-savannah gradient in Cameroon. Three species, Crematogaster striatula Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Crematogaster clariventris Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and Oecophylla longinoda Latreille (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with high predator and aggressive behaviors were identified as dominant and showed negative spatial relationships with mirids. The weaver ant, O. longinoda was identified as the only potential biological control agent, considering its ubiquity in the plots, the similarity in niche requirements, and the spatial segregation with mirids resulting probably from exclusion mechanisms. Combining bivariate point pattern analysis to good knowledge of insect ecology was an effective method to identify a potentially good biological control agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leïla Bagny Beilhe
- CIRAD, UPR Bioagresseurs, Turrialba, Costa Rica
- Bioagresseurs, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
- IRAD, BP Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Cyril Piou
- CIRAD, UMR CBGP, Agadir, Maroc
- CBGP, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
- CNLAA, BP, Inezgane, Maroc
- Université Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Maroc
| | - Zéphirin Tadu
- Laboratory of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Régis Babin
- Bioagresseurs, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UPR Bioagresseurs, Nairobi, Kenya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
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Ants: Major Functional Elements in Fruit Agro-Ecosystems and Biological Control Agents. SUSTAINABILITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/su10010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Dassou AG, Tixier P, Dépigny S, Carval D. Vegetation structure of plantain-based agrosystems determines numerical dominance in community of ground-dwelling ants. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3917. [PMID: 29152414 PMCID: PMC5689021 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In tropics, ants can represent an important part of animal biomass and are known to be involved in ecosystem services, such as pest regulation. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the structuring of local ant communities is therefore important in agroecology. In the humid tropics of Africa, plantains are cropped in association with many other annual and perennial crops. Such agrosystems differ greatly in vegetation diversity and structure and are well-suited for studying how habitat-related factors affect the ant community. We analysed abundance data for the six numerically dominant ant taxa in 500 subplots located in 20 diversified, plantain-based fields. We found that the density of crops with foliage at intermediate and high canopy strata determined the numerical dominance of species. We found no relationship between the numerical dominance of each ant taxon with the crop diversity. Our results indicate that the manipulation of the densities of crops with leaves in the intermediate and high strata may help maintain the coexistence of ant species by providing different habitat patches. Further research in such agrosystems should be performed to assess if the effect of vegetation structure on ant abundance could result in efficient pest regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anicet Gbéblonoudo Dassou
- BIORAVE, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Dassa, UNSTIM, Benin.,CARBAP, Douala, Cameroon.,UPR GECO, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Tixier
- UPR GECO, CIRAD, Montpellier, France.,Departemento de Agricultura y Agroforestria, CATIE, Turrialba, Costa Rica
| | - Sylvain Dépigny
- CARBAP, Douala, Cameroon.,UPR GECO, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Dominique Carval
- UPR GECO, CIRAD, Montpellier, France.,UPR GECO, CIRAD, Le Lamentin, France
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Response of a Predatory ant to Volatiles Emitted by Aphid- and Caterpillar-Infested Cucumber and Potato Plants. J Chem Ecol 2017; 43:1007-1022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-017-0887-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Anato FM, Sinzogan AAC, Offenberg J, Adandonon A, Wargui RB, Deguenon JM, Ayelo PM, Vayssières JF, Kossou DK. Oecophylla longinoda (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Lead to Increased Cashew Kernel Size and Kernel Quality. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 110:1133-1137. [PMID: 28334289 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tox054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Weaver ants, Oecophylla spp., are known to positively affect cashew, Anacardium occidentale L., raw nut yield, but their effects on the kernels have not been reported. We compared nut size and the proportion of marketable kernels between raw nuts collected from trees with and without ants. Raw nuts collected from trees with weaver ants were 2.9% larger than nuts from control trees (i.e., without weaver ants), leading to 14% higher proportion of marketable kernels. On trees with ants, the kernel: raw nut ratio from nuts damaged by formic acid was 4.8% lower compared with nondamaged nuts from the same trees. Weaver ants provided three benefits to cashew production by increasing yields, yielding larger nuts, and by producing greater proportions of marketable kernel mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Anato
- Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 03 BP 2819 Cotonou, République du Bénin ( ; ; ; ; ; )
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
| | - A A C Sinzogan
- Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 03?BP 2819 Cotonou, République du Bénin (; ; ; ; ; )
| | - J Offenberg
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsoevej 25, DK-8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - A Adandonon
- Ecole de Gestion et de Production Végétale et Semencière, Université d'Agriculture de Kétou, 08BP 1055 Cotonou, République du Bénin
| | - R B Wargui
- Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 03?BP 2819 Cotonou, République du Bénin (; ; ; ; ; )
| | - J M Deguenon
- Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 03?BP 2819 Cotonou, République du Bénin (; ; ; ; ; )
| | - P M Ayelo
- Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 03?BP 2819 Cotonou, République du Bénin (; ; ; ; ; )
| | - J-F Vayssières
- CIRAD, UPR HortSys, 34398 Montpellier, France; IITA, Biocontrol Unit for Africa, 08?BP 0932, Cotonou, République du Bénin
| | - D K Kossou
- Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 03?BP 2819 Cotonou, République du Bénin (; ; ; ; ; )
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Payne CLR, Van Itterbeeck J. Ecosystem Services from Edible Insects in Agricultural Systems: A Review. INSECTS 2017; 8:insects8010024. [PMID: 28218635 PMCID: PMC5371952 DOI: 10.3390/insects8010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Many of the most nutritionally and economically important edible insects are those that are harvested from existing agricultural systems. Current strategies of agricultural intensification focus predominantly on increasing crop yields, with no or little consideration of the repercussions this may have for the additional harvest and ecology of accompanying food insects. Yet such insects provide many valuable ecosystem services, and their sustainable management could be crucial to ensuring future food security. This review considers the multiple ecosystem services provided by edible insects in existing agricultural systems worldwide. Directly and indirectly, edible insects contribute to all four categories of ecosystem services as outlined by the Millennium Ecosystem Services definition: provisioning, regulating, maintaining, and cultural services. They are also responsible for ecosystem disservices, most notably significant crop damage. We argue that it is crucial for decision-makers to evaluate the costs and benefits of the presence of food insects in agricultural systems. We recommend that a key priority for further research is the quantification of the economic and environmental contribution of services and disservices from edible insects in agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte L R Payne
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3QY, UK.
| | - Joost Van Itterbeeck
- College of Arts, Department of History, Rikkyo University, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan.
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Jacquot M, Tixier P, Flores O, Muru D, Massol F, Derepas B, Chiroleu F, Deguine JP. Contrasting predation services of predator and omnivore diversity mediated by invasive ants in a tropical agroecosystem. Basic Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Silva NS, Saad LP, Souza-Campana DR, Bueno OC, Morini MSC. Comparison Between Ground Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Communities Foraging in the Straw Mulch of Sugarcane Crops and in the Leaf Litter of Neighboring Forests. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 110:111-117. [PMID: 28053209 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tow295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In many sugarcane plantations in Brazil, the straw is left on the soil after harvesting, and vinasse, a by-product of the production of sugar and ethanol, is used for fertigation. Our goal was to compare ant community composition and species richness in the straw mulch of sugarcane crops with the leaf litter of neighboring forests. We tested the hypothesis that ant communities in the straw mulch of vinasse-irrigated sugarcane crops and in the forest leaf litter were similar, because the combination of straw mulching and vinasse irrigation has a positive effect on soil fauna. Straw mulch and leaf litter were collected from 21 sites and placed in Berlese funnels. In total, 61 species were found in the forest leaf litter, whereas 34 and 28 species were found in the straw mulch of sugarcane fields with and without vinasse, respectively. Ant communities differed between forest and crop fields, but the species in the sugarcane straw mulch were a subset of the species found in the forest leaf litter. Although vinasse is rich in organic matter, it did not increase ant diversity. Seven feeding and/or foraging types were identified and, among the different types, surface-foraging omnivorous ants were the most prevalent in all habitats. Vinasse-irrigated sugarcane straw mulch had more predatory species than mulch from vinasse-free fields, but fewer than forest leaf litter. However, this positive effect of vinasse irrigation should be carefully evaluated because vinasse has negative effects on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Silva
- Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Laboratório de Mirmecologia do Alto Tietê. Rua Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida e Souza, Zip code 08701-970, Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo Brazil
| | - L P Saad
- Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Laboratório de Mirmecologia do Alto Tietê. Rua Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida e Souza, Zip code 08701-970, Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo Brazil
| | - D R Souza-Campana
- Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Laboratório de Mirmecologia do Alto Tietê. Rua Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida e Souza, Zip code 08701-970, Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo Brazil
| | - O C Bueno
- Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais, Avenida 24-A, 1515. Bela Vista, Zip code 13.506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo Brazil
| | - M S C Morini
- Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Laboratório de Mirmecologia do Alto Tietê. Rua Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida e Souza, Zip code 08701-970, Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo Brazil
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Vascular epiphytes and host trees of ant-gardens in an anthropic landscape in southeastern Mexico. Naturwissenschaften 2016; 103:96. [PMID: 27866229 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-016-1421-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ant-gardens (AGs) are considered one of the most complex mutualist systems between ants and plants, since interactions involving dispersal, protection, and nutrition occur simultaneously in them; however, little is known about the effects of the transformation of ecosystems on their diversity and interactions. In five environments with different land use within an anthropic landscape in southeastern Mexico, we investigated the diversity and composition of epiphytes and host trees of AGs built by Azteca gnava. A total of 10,871 individuals of 26 epiphytic species, associating with 859 AGs located in 161 host trees, were recorded. The diversity and composition of epiphytes tended to be different between environments; however, Aechmea tillandsioides and Codonanthe uleana were the most important species and considered true AG epiphytes, because they were the most frequent, abundant, and occurred exclusively in AGs. Other important species were the orchids Epidendrum flexuosum, Coryanthes picturata, and Epidendrum pachyrachis, and should also be considered true AG epiphytes, because they occurred almost exclusively in the AGs. The AG abundance in agroforestry plantations was similar or even greater than in riparian vegetation (natural habitat). The AGs were registered in 37 host species but were more frequent in Mangifera indica and Citrus sinensis. We conclude that true epiphytes of A. gnava AGs persist in different environments and host trees, and even these AGs could proliferate in agroforestry plantations of anthropic landscapes.
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Jones IM, Koptur S, von Wettberg EJ. The use of extrafloral nectar in pest management: overcoming context dependence. J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Matthew Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences; Florida International University; 11200 SW 8th St. Miami FL 33199 USA
| | - Suzanne Koptur
- Department of Biological Sciences; Florida International University; 11200 SW 8th St. Miami FL 33199 USA
- Department of Earth and Environment; Agroecology Program; Florida International University; 11200 SW 8th St. ECS 157 Miami FL 33199 USA
- International Center for Tropical Botany; College of Arts & Sciences; Florida International University; 11200 SW 8th St. ECS 450 Miami FL 33199 USA
| | - Eric J. von Wettberg
- Department of Biological Sciences; Florida International University; 11200 SW 8th St. Miami FL 33199 USA
- Department of Earth and Environment; Agroecology Program; Florida International University; 11200 SW 8th St. ECS 157 Miami FL 33199 USA
- International Center for Tropical Botany; College of Arts & Sciences; Florida International University; 11200 SW 8th St. ECS 450 Miami FL 33199 USA
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Evans TA, Gleeson PV. Direct measurement of ant predation of weed seeds in wheat cropping. J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore A. Evans
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Western Australia; Perth WA 6009 Australia
| | - Patrick V. Gleeson
- CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship; Black Mountain Laboratories; Canberra ACT 2602 Australia
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41
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Macronutrient Exchange Between the Asian Weaver Ant Oecophylla smaragdina and Their Host Plant. Ecosystems 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-016-0013-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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G KA, K AN, J AN, D OO, M KB. Farmers perception of a biological control agent, Oecophylla longinoda Latreille (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and its effects on the quality of citrus fruits in Ghana. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.5897/ajar2015.9958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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