An organic bait based on Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) and Tephrosia candida (Fabaceae) does not control nests of Atta laevigata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in eucalyptus plantations. (3rd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lemes, Pedro G.; de Matos, Mateus F.; Araújo, Carlos A.; Serrão, José E.; Zanuncio, José C.
• Is Part Of: Agricultural and forest entomology. Volume 23:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 512
• Page End: 517
• Publication Date: 2021-06-03
• Subjects: attini -- forest certification -- FSC -- IPM -- leaf‐cutting ant -- Solenopsis invicta; Insect pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Agricultural pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Forest insects -- Control -- Periodicals; 632.7
• DOI: 10.1111/afe.12455
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-9555

Abstract

Abstract: Leaf‐cutting ants of the genus Atta (Myrmicinae: Attini) are the main forest pests in Brazil, due to their economic damage, social complexity and geographical distribution. Chemical control with baits is the most viable and successful method to control these insects; and products with low environmental impact have been researched. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mortality of Atta laevigata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests treated with Bioisca® bait, in different dosages, in eucalyptus plantations compared with those treated with sulfluramid and fipronil baits. Seven treatments were used: Bioisca® ( Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) + Tephrosia candida (Fabaceae)), with 5, 10, 15 and 20 g; Blitz® (fipronil), Atta Mex‐S® (sulfluramid) baits with 6 g/m 2 of ant nest loose soil and the control, without ant baits. It took 7 days for the first colony to have its activity stopped using the Blitz® treatment. It happened only at 30 days when treated with Bioisca® and Atta‐Mex‐S® . The mortality of nests treated with Bioisca® was very low with only one controlled out of 20 that received this bait. Bioisca® does not control the nests of A. laevigata in eucalyptus plantations. Abstract : Only one nest of Atta laevigata out of 20 was controlled by Bioisca®. All tested baits presented some degree of rejection. Bioisca® had a low performance when compared to traditional synthetic baits. Bioisca® baits failed to control Atta laevigata nests in eucalyptus plantations.