Pesticides alternative strategy for Replacement of Insect (Atta cephalotes, Leafcutter ant)
Author(s):
Publication Year:
2014
Publication Type:
Source:
Code:
Collections: Pesticides Alternatives
Abstract
Summary
Sponsors
Citation
Sustainability dimension(s):
Topics:
Subtopics:
Subject Keywords:
Pesticides
Chemicals
Alternative Strategy:
Baits (wheat bran and orange juice) containing the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (strain M-137), or the antagonist fungus, Trichoderma viride (strain T-26) to Attamyces sp., or a combination of both entomopathogenic and antagonist fungi were applied to control A. cephalotes nests in the laboratory and field. In the laboratory, control of the ant nests treated with any fungal treatment proved 100% effective. Under field conditions, the fungal baits were compared to the chemical Pirimiphos methyl, which was applied with an air pump. The mortality of the bait-treated nests was 100% with M. anisopliae and the combined fungal treatment, and 80% mortality in the treatment with T. viride, whereas the mortality with Pirimiphos methyl was effective in 60% of the nests. Additionally, a week after application of these treatments, changes in the ants' behavior were observed, reflected mainly in the absence of foraging activity. Thus, M. anisopliae and T. viride were effective in controlling A. cephalotes nests under laboratory and field conditions, and superior to the chemical Pirimiphos methyl.
Alternative Method:
Replacement
Active Ingredient:
Alternative Trial:
No
Alternative Type:
Specific strategy
Pest Type:
Insect