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Zanetti R, Sanches JJ, Wenzel AVA, Haddi K, Ferreira H, Santos LV. Isocycloseram: A new active ingredient for leaf-cutting ants control. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300187. [PMID: 38722866 PMCID: PMC11081378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants are the most important pests in several cropping systems in the Neotropics. Granulated baits containing active ingredients, considered hazardous by the Stockholm Convention, are the usual method to control these ants. Isocycloseram is a new insecticide molecule with high safety margin for mammals, but without registration for the ants in general. Thus, this study investigated the effectiveness of granulated baits with isocycloseram in leaf-cutting ants control under laboratory and field conditions. Initially, the mortality of Atta sexdens workers, fed with dehydrated citrus pulp paste containing different concentrations of isocycloseram was evaluated in the laboratory for 21 days, for toxicological classification. Subsequently, the loading, devolution, and incorporation of baits with different concentrations of isocycloseram and the mortality of A. sexdens colonies were evaluated in the laboratory. After that, the percentages of loading and devolution of baits, foraging activity, and colony mortality treated with 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% of isocycloseram were evaluated for the species A. sexdens, A. laevigata, and Acromyrmex lundii in field conditions. All concentrations of isocycloseram killed more than 15% of ants in 24 h and more than 90% in 21 days in the laboratory, being classified as a fast-acting and highly effective active ingredient. Baits with 0.001 to 0.03% of isocycloseram were highly loaded and exhibited low rate of devolution. The mortality of A. sexdens colony was higher at concentrations between 0.075 and 0.3%, in the laboratory. Baits containing isocycloseram at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.3% were highly loaded, presented low devolution rates, and were highly efficient in controlling A. sexdens, A. laevigata, and A. lundii in the field, at dosages of 6, 10, and 12 g/m² of nest. This is the first report of the use of isocycloseram against leaf-cutting ants, contributing to the development of efficient and toxicologically safer ant baits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Zanetti
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, CEP 37200–900, Lavras, MG, Brasil
| | - Jessica J. Sanches
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, CEP 37200–900, Lavras, MG, Brasil
| | - Andrea V. A. Wenzel
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, CEP 37200–900, Lavras, MG, Brasil
| | - Khalid Haddi
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, CEP 37200–900, Lavras, MG, Brasil
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Queiroz RRS, Teodoro TBP, Carolino AT, Bitencourt ROB, Souza WG, Boechat MSB, Sobrinho RR, Silva GA, Samuels RI. Production of Escovopsis conidia and the potential use of this parasitic fungus as a biological control agent of leaf-cutting ant fungus gardens. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:128. [PMID: 38416227 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03862-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the use of different substrates for the production of Escovopsis conidia and verify the virulence of four different isolates cultured on four types of substrates using a novel bioassay. Escovopsis isolates were molecularly identified, based on Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) nucleotide sequences. To evaluate conidial production, suspensions (1 × 106 conidia mL-1) of each Escovopsis isolate were inoculated onto four substrates (parboiled rice, white rice, rolled oats, and corn grits). After 14 days, conidial yields were assessed. The virulence of each isolate cultured on the four substrates was tested against Leucoagaricus fungus garden fragments, by directly applying 500 µL of each conidial suspension (1 × 107 conidia mL-1), and the development of the parasite was monitored daily until it completely colonized the fungus garden. It was observed that rolled oats were the best substrate for conidial production, with a yield of 1.7 × 107 to 2.0 × 108 conidia mL-1. Furthermore, isolate AT-01 produced the highest number of conidia when compared with the other isolates. Regardless of the substrate used to produce AT-01 conidia, this isolate completely colonized the fungus garden 6 days post inoculation (dpi), followed by AT-02, AC-01, and AC-2. High levels of both conidial production and virulence against the leaf-cutting ant fungus garden were observed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymyson R S Queiroz
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Thais B P Teodoro
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Aline T Carolino
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Ricardo O B Bitencourt
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Willians G Souza
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marcela S B Boechat
- Laboratório Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Roberto R Sobrinho
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Gerson A Silva
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Richard I Samuels
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil.
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Gómez-Díaz JA, Baena ML, González-Zamora A, Delfín-Alfonso CA. Potential present and future distributions of the genus Atta of Mexico. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292072. [PMID: 37751423 PMCID: PMC10522027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature and precipitation influence insect distribution locally and drive large-scale biogeographical patterns. We used current and future climate data from the CHELSA database to create ensemble species distribution models for three Atta leaf-cutting ant species (Atta cephalotes, A. mexicana, and A. texana) found in Mexico. These models were used to estimate the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of these species in the future. Our results show that bioclimatic variables influence the distribution of each Atta species occupying a unique climatic niche: A. cephalotes is affected by temperature seasonality, A. mexicana by isothermality, and A. texana by the minimum temperature of the coldest month. Atta texana and A. mexicana are expected to decline their range by 80% and 60%, respectively, due to rising temperatures, decreased rainfall, and increased drought. Due to rising temperatures and increased humidity, Atta cephalotes is expected to expand its range by 30%. Since Atta species are important pests, our coexistence with them requires knowledge of their ecological functions and potential future distribution changes. In addition, these insects serve as bioindicators of habitat quality, and they can contribute to the local economy in rural areas since they are eaten as food for the nutritional value of the queens. In this sense, presenting a future perspective of these species' distribution is important for forest and crop management. Education programs also are necessary to raise awareness of the importance of these ants and the challenges they face because of climate change. Our results offer a perspective of climate change studies to define conservation and adaptation strategies for protecting vulnerable areas such as high-elevation remnant forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A. Gómez-Díaz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
- Centro de Investigaciones Tropicales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Martha L. Baena
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Arturo González-Zamora
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Christian A. Delfín-Alfonso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
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Cavigliasso P, González E, Scherf A, Villacide J. Landscape configuration modulates the presence of leaf-cutting ants in eucalypt plantations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13130. [PMID: 37573465 PMCID: PMC10423229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pest responses to landscape complexity show variable patterns globally, primarily related to species traits and specific managed habitats. Leaf-cutting ants (LCAs) are native insects and important pests of plantation forests in South America. We evaluated the responses of LCA nests in young Eucalyptus plantations to different spatial contexts: land uses, interfaces (adjacent land use pairs), agroecosystems, and landscapes. We selected 30 sites in the littoral region of Argentina representing three types of land uses neighboring Eucalyptus plantations: adult eucalypt plantations, citrus plantations, and semi-natural habitats. At each site, we quantified and identified LCA nests and characterized landscape composition and configuration in circles of 250 m radius. LCA nest abundance and presence were similar across different land uses, interfaces, and agroecosystems. Nest presence decreased in landscapes with increasing mean perimeter/area ratio and citrus coverage, whereas LCA abundance showed a similar trend. This indicates that heterogeneous landscapes and those with greater citrus plantation coverage were less likely to have LCA nests. Our findings suggest that landscape configuration was the main predictor of the LCA presence. Understanding the dynamics of LCAs populations and their complex associations with landscape components will contribute to developing successful environmental pest management strategies for plantation forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Cavigliasso
- INTA EEA Concordia, Estación Yuqueri s/n, Concordia, Entre Ríos, Argentina
- INTA EEA Marcos Juárez, Ruta 12 km. 3, Marcos Juárez, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel González
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Av. Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016GCA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Abel Scherf
- INTA EEA Montecarlo, Av. el Libertador 2472, Montecarlo, Misiones, Argentina
| | - José Villacide
- Grupo de Ecología de Poblaciones de Insectos, IFAB-INTA Bariloche, Modesta Victoria 4450, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina.
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Goffre D, Folgarait PJ. Entomopathogenic Strains of the Fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum Damage the Fungus Cultivar of Pest Leaf-Cutter Ants. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023:10.1007/s13744-023-01052-2. [PMID: 37195555 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-023-01052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpureocillium lilacinum (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) is a cosmopolitan fungus not only pathogenic to insect and nematode hosts but also to other fungi. Although having one organism with multiple effects would be desirable in a biocontrol strategy, few studies have looked at the multiple roles one strain could play. This work shows how three strains of P. lilacinum, previously proven to be entomopathogenic to leaf-cutter ants (LCA), could degrade several strains of Leucoagaricus sp., the fungus cultivated by LCA as their food source. We isolated four strains of Leucoagaricus sp. from Acromyrmex and Atta LCA species, and we determined their species molecularly, as well as their clade identity (Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, clade-A). We observed the effects on growth rates on Petri dishes and the interaction of microscopic structures of both fungi on slides. All three P. lilacinum strains inhibited the growth of L. gongylophorus. They also degraded all L. gongylophorus isolated from the Acromyrmex species, causing hyphae expansion and degradation of the cell wall. However, only one of them succeeded in degrading the L. gongylophorus strain isolated from the Atta species. The results confirm the damage to the hyphae of ant cultivars and highlight the need for future studies that reveal whether such behavior is due to P. lilacinum's mycoparasitic behavior. Using a single P. lilacinum strain with a dual function that includes the degradation of the cultivar of LCA of both genera would be a very promising strategy for the biocontrol of one of the worst herbivore pests in the Neotropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Goffre
- Ants Lab, Dept of Science and Technology, CONICET, Quilmes National University, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Patricia Julia Folgarait
- Ants Lab, Dept of Science and Technology, CONICET, Quilmes National University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Scudillio T, Camargo RDS, Mota Filho TMM, de Matos CAO, Zanuncio JC, Sabattini JA, Forti LC. Contamination and mortality of leaf-cutting ant workers by the quinone inside inhibitor fungicide after social interactions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6169. [PMID: 37061537 PMCID: PMC10105727 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are the most important pests in forest and agricultural plantations and livestock. Toxic baits are the main method to manage these insects. The objective was to determine whether the behavior of allogrooming, touch, and self-grooming among Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) workers disperse the fungicide quinone inside inhibitor and whether this product is toxic to them. This fungicide was applied, topically, in groups of workers and the social interactions between them and their mortality with and without the fungicide were evaluated. The interactions and the quinone inside inhibitor fungicide contamination increased with the number of leaf-cutting ant workers per group. Excessive touches, with subsequent allogrooming, and self-grooming among the ant workers dispersed the quinone inside the inhibitor fungicide causing 100% mortality and indicating its toxicity to this insect. The hypothesis that social interactions contaminated ant colony mates and the toxicity of the fungicide quinone inside inhibitor to workers of the leaf-cutting ant A. sexdens rubropilosa was proven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamires Scudillio
- Laboratório de Insetos Sociais-Praga, Departamento de Proteção Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, 18603-970, Brazil
| | - Roberto da Silva Camargo
- Laboratório de Insetos Sociais-Praga, Departamento de Proteção Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, 18603-970, Brazil.
| | - Tarcísio Marcos Macedo Mota Filho
- Laboratório de Insetos Sociais-Praga, Departamento de Proteção Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, 18603-970, Brazil
| | | | - José Cola Zanuncio
- Departamento de Entomologia BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Julian Alberto Sabattini
- Department of Ecology, School of Agriculture Science, National University of Entre Rios, National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, Route No. 11 Km 10.5, 3100, Oro Verde, Argentina
| | - Luiz Carlos Forti
- Laboratório de Insetos Sociais-Praga, Departamento de Proteção Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, 18603-970, Brazil
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Sabattini J, Bollazzi M. Herbivory by Atta vollenweideri: Reviewing the significance of grass-cutting ants as a pest of livestock. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1101445. [PMID: 38469484 PMCID: PMC10926485 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1101445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The grass-cutting ant Atta vollenweideri is well suited for studies examining the negative effect leaf-cutting ants have on livestock production in South American grasslands because they forage on the same plants as cattle. This study investigated the impact of A. vollenweideri on livestock production in Argentinean rangelands. First, we assessed A. vollenweideri herbivory rates and its economic injury level (EIL). Second, using satellite imagery in a region covering 15,000 ha, we estimated the percentage of this area that surpassed the calculated EIL. Results showed that A. vollenweideri consumed approximately 276 kg of dry plant weight/ha/year, foraging mostly on grasses (70%). Additionally, ants cut 25% of herbs and 5% of trees. In summer and autumn, ants consumed more grasses, while in winter and spring, herbs and trees were also significantly cut. Ants consumed 7% of the forage demand needed to raise a calf according to the management regime applied by farmers. Our calculated EIL (5.85 nests/ha) falls in the range of previous studies. Colonies were absent in 93.6% of the surveyed area, while their density was below the EIL in 6.2% of the area. A. vollenweideri populations surpassed the EIL in only 0.2% of the area, which corresponds to 2.6% of the locations holding colonies. These results question the perception that Atta leaf-cutting ants are a pest of livestock production. Although ants consume a small percentage of cattle's forage demand, evidence that ants and cattle are competing in the few cases in which density surpasses the EIL is arguable. First, grass-cutting ants are capable of consuming herbs and trees in addition to the grasses on which cattle mostly feed. Second, there is no evidence indicating that both are cutting the same plant portions when preferences overlap. Third, evidence suggests that ants are not displaced under high-pressure grazing regimes by cattle. In the countries where A. vollenweideri is present, decision makers have promulgated several acts making its control mandatory. It is time to revisit the pest status of A. vollenweideri and include the use of EIL as a control criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Sabattini
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Cátedra de Ecología de los Sistemas Agropecuarios, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Oro Verde, Argentina
| | - Martin Bollazzi
- Entomología, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Bautz KR, Caixeta MC, Del Puppo NP, Rodrigues A, Kloss TG, Elliot SL. Limited impacts of the fungus Syncephalastrum on nests of leaf-cutting ants. FUNGAL ECOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2022.101198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
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Muñoz-Valencia V, Montoya-Lerma J, Seppä P, Diaz F. Landscape genetics across the Andes mountains: Environmental variation drives genetic divergence in the leaf-cutting ant Atta cephalotes. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:95-109. [PMID: 36261873 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Distinguishing among the mechanisms underlying the spatial distribution of genetic variation resulting from the environmental or physical barriers from those arising due to simple geographic distance is challenging in complex landscapes. The Andean uplift represents one of the most heterogeneous habitats where multiple mechanisms may interact, confounding their relative roles. We explore this broad question in the leaf-cutting ant Atta cephalotes, a species that is distributed across the Andes mountains, using nuclear microsatellite markers and mtCOI gene sequences. We investigate spatial genetic divergence across the western range of the northern Andes in Colombia by testing the relative role of alternative scenarios of population divergence, including isolation by geographic distance (IBD), climatic conditions (IBE), and the physical barriers presented by the Andes mountains (IBB). Our results reveal substantial genetic differentiation among A. cephalotes populations for both types of markers, but only nuclear divergence followed a hierarchical pattern with multiple models of genetic divergence imposed by the western range. Model selection showed that the IBD, IBE (temperature and precipitation), and IBB (Andes mountains) models, often proposed as individual drivers of genetic divergence, interact, and explain up to 33% of the genetic divergence in A. cephalotes. The IBE model remained significant after accounting for IBD, suggesting that environmental factors play a more prominent role than IBB. These factors, in combination with the idiosyncratic dispersal patterns of ants, appear to determine the hierarchical patterns of gene flow. This study enriches our understanding of the forces shaping population divergence in complex habitat landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Muñoz-Valencia
- Group of Agroecosystem Ecology and Natural Habitats, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - James Montoya-Lerma
- Group of Agroecosystem Ecology and Natural Habitats, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Perttu Seppä
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Fernando Diaz
- Biology Department, Colgate University, New York, USA
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Santos Correa KC, Moreira AC, Abd El-Raheem Ibrahim AG, Ramos de Jesus HC, Micocci KC, Crizóstomo Kock FV, Bueno OC, Venâncio T, Henrique-Silva F, Souza DHF. Identification and characterization of a recombinant cysteine peptidase (AsCathL) from leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Protein Expr Purif 2023; 201:106174. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2022.106174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Teixeira GA, Barros LAC, Silveira LI, Orivel J, Lopes DM, Aguiar HJAC. Karyotype conservation and genomic organization of repetitive sequences in the leaf-cutting ant Atta cephalotes (Linnaeus, 1758) (Formicidae: Myrmicinae). Genome 2022; 65:525-535. [PMID: 35973225 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2021-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants are among the New World's most conspicuous and studied ant species due to their notable ecological and economic role. Cytogenetic studies carried out in Atta show remarkable karyotype conservation among the species. We performed classical cytogenetics and physical mapping of repetitive sequences in the leaf-cutting ant Atta cephalotes, the type species of the genus. Our goal was to test the karyotype conservation in Atta and to start to understand the genomic organization and diversity regarding repetitive sequences in leaf-cutting ants. Atta cephalotes showed 2n=22 (18m+2sm+2st) chromosomes. The heterochromatin followed a centromeric pattern, and the GC-rich regions and 18S rDNA clusters were co-located interstitially in the 4th metacentric pair. These cytogenetic characteristics were observed in other Atta species that had previously been studied, confirming the karyotype conservation in Atta. Evolutionary implications regarding the conservation of the chromosome number in leaf-cutting ants are discussed. Telomeric motif (TTAGG)n was detected in A. cephalotes as observed in other ants. Five out of the 11 microsatellites showed a scattered distribution exclusively on euchromatic areas of the chromosomes. Repetitive sequences mapped on the chromosomes of A. cephalotes are the first insights into genomic organization and diversity in leaf-cutting ants, useful in further comparative studies.
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Pereira RC, Bailez O, Vieira-Júnior JOL, Silva GA, Arêdes A, Viana-Bailez AM. Host Size Preference of the Leafcutter Ant Parasitoid Eibesfeldtphora tonhascai (Diptera: Phoridae). NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:593-599. [PMID: 35829961 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-022-00962-x] [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: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Eibesfeldtphora tonhascai Brown (Diptera: Phoridae) is a natural enemy of Atta sexdens Linnaeus and Atta laevigata Smith and is considered a promising candidate for the biological control of these ants. The aim of this study was to verify if E. tonhascai has a preference for specific sizes of A. sexdens foragers and whether this parasitoid demonstrated host species preference when comparing parasitism of A. sexdens and A. laevigata. Worker ants were classified into four different size groups and introduced into an attack arena with one E. tonhascai female. To verify host species preference, both A. sexdens and A. laevigata workers were placed in the attack arena together with one E. tonhascai female. A no-choice test was also performed, when each ant species was offered to a phorid female at different times. Eibesfeldtphora tonhascai performed the highest number of inspection flights, attempted attacks, and actual attacks against A. sexdens workers with a cephalic capsule size of 3-5 mm. When comparing attacks on A. sexdens and A. laevigata workers, they were equally inspected, attacked, and the total parasitism rates were similar. However, the phorid adult emergence rate was significantly higher in the A. sexdens parasitized workers. We conclude that E. tonhascai females express preference for parasitizing larger hosts (cephalic capsule width of 3-5 mm), but do not display a preference for host species when comparing A. sexdens versus A. laevigata, and thus can similarly contribute to both leafcutter ants' natural biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Cunha Pereira
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Omar Bailez
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Olívio Lopes Vieira-Júnior
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gerson Adriano Silva
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anália Arêdes
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Viana-Bailez
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Sabattini JA, Zanuncio JC, Lemes PG. Chemical control of Acromyrmex lundi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in anthropic ecosystems. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3155-3163. [PMID: 35470918 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6944] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leaf-cutting ants are pests in agriculture, forests and pasture and, usually, controlled with toxic baits. The management and control of leaf-cutting ants is complex as a consequence of its sociability and behavior. We tested three toxic baits with abamectin, fipronil and sulfluramid to control colonies of Acromyrmex lundi Mayr, 1865 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in two seasons: 'Spring 2020' and 'Summer 2020/21', in Argentina. RESULTS The percentage of effective bait carried in the spring was similar between treatments with 80%, 80% and 90% for those with abamectin, fipronil and sulfluramid. The ant flow of A. lundi decreased after toxic bait applications compared to the control through time in all treatments. This activity was higher in the spring than in the summer. The baits reduced the foraging activity of A. lundi from 5 to 96 days after application (DAA). Abamectin and fipronil baits controlled 50% and 67% of the nests in the spring, and 20% and 43% at 96 DAA in the summer. Sulfluramid was the best treatment, killing 90% of A. lundi nests. CONCLUSION The baits decrease the foraging activity of A. lundi until 96 DAA, with total or partial death of its colonies varying between treatments. The ant symptoms with the sulfluramid bait appeared faster than with fipronil and may be a result of the low level of carry-over or differences in the chemical quality of the active ingredients. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Alberto Sabattini
- School of Agriculture Science, National University of Entre Rios, National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, Oro Verde, Argentina
| | - Jose Cola Zanuncio
- Departamento de Entomologia/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Pedro Guilherme Lemes
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Montes Claros, Brazil
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Shults P, Eyer PA, Moran M, Chura M, Ko A, Vargo EL. Assessing colony elimination in multicolonial ants: Estimating field efficacy of insecticidal baits against the invasive dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:2250-2257. [PMID: 35212165 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6849] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A frequent goal of pest management strategies targeting social insects is total colony elimination. Insecticidal baits are highly effective at controlling social insect pests, although their ability to provide total colony elimination has only been well studied in a few species. Genetically testing colony elimination in many urban pest ants can be challenging due to indistinct colony boundaries observed in unicolonial, invasive species; however, some pest ants, such as the dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus), maintain strict colony borders through aggression towards non-nestmates. Each of these distinct colonies can be identified using molecular markers, allowing for the tracking of individual colonies pre- and post-treatment to measure colony density. While counting the number of foraging workers to assess treatment efficacy may suffice in some cases, it offers little insight into the colony-level impacts of a treatment. RESULTS Using microsatellite markers, distinct rover ant colonies were identified and tracked around residential structures before and after the application of an imidacloprid bait. The number of foraging ants at the treated structures was reduced by an average of 83.0% over a 28-day observation period. Baiting also significantly reduced the total number of colonies present. At the treatment structures, only ~25% of the original colonies remained at the end of the study. Colonies with foraging trails <1.5 m from a bait station had a higher chance of being eliminated. CONCLUSION Using insecticidal baits against B. patagonicus can be highly effective at colony elimination; however, with such small foraging ranges and high colony densities, proper placement is required to ensure enough bait is properly positioned to treat all colonies affecting a structure. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Shults
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Pierre-Andre Eyer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Megan Moran
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Madeleine Chura
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Edward L Vargo
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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15
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Giraldo C, Chaves-López C, Tofalo R, Angrisani R, Rodrigues A, Montoya-Lerma J. Yeasts associated with the worker caste of the leaf-cutting ant Atta cephalotes under experimental conditions in Colombia. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:284. [PMID: 35476294 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-02811-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Yeasts isolated from the worker caste of the Colombian leaf-cutting ant, Atta cephalotes (Hymenoptera: Myrmicinae) were cultured and identified by molecular methods. Abundant, persistent, and omnipresent species were classified as "prevalent". Experimental data were compared with information gathered from published reports on the yeast species composition in other leaf-cutting ant species. Diversity analysis was conducted using diversity values (q0, q1, and q2) to compare the richness and abundance of yeasts present in different leaf-cutting ant species. Clustering analysis was carried out to assess the similarity of yeast community according to ant species. The yeast species composition was highly variable among the ant species. A. laevigata and A. capiguara showed the highest degree of similarity and differed from the group composed by A. cephalotes, A. sexdens, A. sexdens rubropilosa, and A. texana. The isolation of dominant yeasts in different ant castes within the different compartments of a colony strongly suggests that the identified microorganisms are not transient but are native to the soil surrounding ant colonies and the substrates used by the ants to grow their fungal cultivars. It is apparent that the ant-fungus mutualism does not operate in an environment devoid of other microbes, but rather that the association must be seen within the context of a background of other microorganisms, particularly the dominant yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Giraldo
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad del Valle, A.A. 25360, Cali, Colombia.
| | - Clemencia Chaves-López
- Facoltá di BioScience e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari e Ambientali, Universitá Degli Studi di Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 164100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Rosanna Tofalo
- Facoltá di BioScience e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari e Ambientali, Universitá Degli Studi di Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 164100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Roberto Angrisani
- NutriPlant S.R.L. Impianto Chimico per la Produzione Di Specialità Fertilizzanti per Agricoltura in Gestione Biologica e Convenzionale, S. S. 93 Km 46,400, 85024, Lavello, PZ, Italy
| | - Andre Rodrigues
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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The Symbiotic Fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (Möller) Singer (Agaricales, Agaricaceae) as a Target Organism to Control Leaf-Cutting Ants. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13040359. [PMID: 35447801 PMCID: PMC9029082 DOI: 10.3390/insects13040359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The most used approach to control leaf-cutting ants (which cause damage in agricultural areas) is the application of synthetic chemical compounds that directly affect these insects. But another approach is the use of natural substances that attack the symbiotic fungus responsible for many aspects of the survival of the nest. In this study, we discuss the natural substances already reported in the literature to have fungicidal activity and how they could be applicable as products for the control of leaf-cutting ants. Abstract Atta and Acromyrmex are the main genera of leaf-cutting ants present in North and South America, causing extensive damage to agroforestry. Control of the ants requires high handling costs with few effective methods available to decrease the losses. The symbiosis between the leaf-cutting ants and the fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus is essential for ant nest survival. Therefore, L. gongylophorus may be a key target in controlling leaf-cutting ants, since its reduction may cause an imbalance in the symbiosis necessary to maintain the nest. Among the options for natural fungal control, plant species are considered important sources of compounds belonging to several classes of natural products that show potential as antifungal agents. This review also presents studies that establish that the antagonist fungi from the Escovopsis and Trichoderma genera effectively reduce the development of L. gongylophorus. The development of nanostructured delivery systems, which have shown advantages over conventional formulations, is suggested for ant control; no commercial nanotechnology-based product has yet been developed, and this appears to be a new approach for future studies.
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Mota Filho TMM, Camargo RDS, Stefanelli LEP, Zanuncio JC, Dos Santos A, de Matos CAO, Forti LC. Allogrooming, Self-grooming, and Touching Behavior as a Mechanism to Disperse Insecticides Inside Colonies of a Leaf-Cutting Ant. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:73-80. [PMID: 34787836 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-021-00927-6] [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: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Toxic baits, containing the active ingredients sulfluramid or fipronil, are the main methods to control leaf-cutting ants of the genera Atta Fabricius, 1805, and Acromyrmex Mayr, 1865 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). However, the insecticide dispersion among members of the colony during the control needs further studies. We studied whether the behaviors of allogrooming, self-grooming, and contact among individuals spread the insecticides among those of the colony. The insecticides sulfluramid and fipronil (0.1% and 1.0% (w/w)) were applied topically in groups of workers of Atta sexdens (Linnaeus, 1758), and the social interactions among them with or without insecticide were studied. In addition, toxic baits (sulfluramid or fipronil) were provided to colonies and their behavioral acts were observed. At the end of the experiment, colony mortality, number and mass of dead workers, and mass of wet waste were compared between ant nests receiving baits and ants with topical application. In the topical application, behavioral analysis showed higher interaction between ants in the colonies and touch and allogrooming behaviors as the most frequent in those that received the concentrations of sulfluramid. In the baits, the behavior of licking the pellet and allogrooming was more frequent. Colony mortality was faster for those that received topical application, especially with the insecticide fipronil (0.1%). However, the number and mass of dead workers was similar between topical application and toxic baits. In the toxic baits, the licking behavior of the bait pellets and subsequent allogrooming probably dispersed the insecticides. In the topical application, the route of the insecticide occurred by excessive touches among workers, with subsequent allogrooming. Thus, allogrooming, self-grooming, and touching among workers increased the dispersion of insecticides among members of the ant colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto da Silva Camargo
- Depto de Produção Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Univ Estadual Paulista - FCA/UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Eduardo Pontes Stefanelli
- Depto de Produção Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Univ Estadual Paulista - FCA/UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Cola Zanuncio
- Depto de Entomologia/BIOAGRO, Univ Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Dos Santos
- Lab de Fitossanidade (FitLab), Instituto Federal de Mato Grosso - IFMT, Cáceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Carlos Forti
- Depto de Produção Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Univ Estadual Paulista - FCA/UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Effects of Trichoderma strigosellum in Eucalyptus urophylla Development and Leaf-Cutting Ant Behavior. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 8:jof8010015. [PMID: 35049955 PMCID: PMC8778871 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal endophytes can protect plants against herbivory and be used to control leaf-cutting ants. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of endophytic colonization of Eucalyptus urophylla by three filamentous fungal species and their influence on the plant development and foraging behavior of Atta sexdens. The study design was completely randomized and comprised a factorial scheme of 4 × 3, three antagonistic fungal species (Escovopsis sp., Metarhizium anisopliae, and Trichoderma strigosellum) of the leaf-cutting ant, and one control and three inoculation methods (conidial suspension via foliar spray [FS] and soil drench [SD] inoculation, and seedlings inoculated with mycelium [SWM]). The SWM method allowed T. strigosellum to colonize all plant organs, and these plants exhibited higher height, leaf number, shoot dry mass, and total dry mass than the ones subjected to the other inoculation methods. The SWM method increased the plant height than the control plants and those inoculated with Escovopsis sp. and M. anisopliae. Trichoderma strigosellum, previously isolated from soil, colonized E. urophylla plants and positively influenced their development, as demonstrated by the SWM method. Trichoderma strigosellum promoted the increase in E. urophylla height compared with when the FS and SD methods were used (by 19.62% and 18.52%, respectively). Our results reveal that A. sexdens workers preferentially began cutting the leaves from plants not previously colonized by T. strigosellum. This behavior can be explained by modifications in the phenotypic traits of the eucalyptus leaves.
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Muñoz‐Valencia V, Vélez‐Martínez GA, Montoya‐Lerma J, Díaz F. Role of the Andean uplift as an asymmetrical barrier to gene flow in the neotropical leaf‐cutting ant
Atta cephalotes. Biotropica 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Muñoz‐Valencia
- Grupo de Ecología de Agroecosistemas y Hábitats Naturales Universidad del Valle Cali, Valle del Cauca Colombia
| | | | - James Montoya‐Lerma
- Grupo de Ecología de Agroecosistemas y Hábitats Naturales Universidad del Valle Cali, Valle del Cauca Colombia
| | - Fernando Díaz
- Biology Department Colgate University Hamilton New York USA
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20
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Mota Filho TMM, Camargo RS, Zanuncio JC, Stefanelli LEP, de Matos CAO, Forti LC. Contamination routes and mortality of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by the insecticides fipronil and sulfluramid through social interactions. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:4411-4417. [PMID: 33982404 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leaf-cutting ants (LCAs) of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are important pests of forest plantations, agriculture and livestock. Toxic baits containing the active ingredients fipronil or sulfluramid are the main method used to control LCAs. Insecticide dispersion among members of an LCA colony during control with toxic bait is not well understood. The objective of the study was to determine whether self-grooming, allogrooming or touching behavior among Atta sexdens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) workers disperses the insecticides fipronil and sulfluramid among members of the colony. The insecticides were topically applied on groups of A. sexdens workers and social interactions between ants with and without insecticide, and group mortality were evaluated. RESULTS Behavioral analysis showed an increase in interaction among LCA workers as the numbers of individuals increased, with touches between workers being the most frequent behavior. The frequency of observed behaviors was higher in groups treated with sulfluramid compared with fipronil. The mortality of groups treated with fipronil was almost twice as high compared with ants treated with sulfluramid. The insecticides are probably dispersed by excessive touching among workers and subsequent self-grooming and allogrooming. CONCLUSION These behaviors were responsible for the rapid dispersion of insecticides among members of the colony. Corroboration of the hypothesis that social interactions contaminate nestmates is a model for future studies on contamination of ant workers with active insecticide ingredients. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarcísio M M Mota Filho
- Laboratory of Social Insects Pests, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Roberto S Camargo
- Laboratory of Social Insects Pests, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - José C Zanuncio
- Department of Entomology/BIOAGRO, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Luis E P Stefanelli
- Laboratory of Social Insects Pests, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Carlos A O de Matos
- Itapeva Experimental Campus, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), Itapeva, Brazil
| | - Luiz C Forti
- Laboratory of Social Insects Pests, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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21
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Castro J, Morales‐Rueda F, Navarro FB, Löf M, Vacchiano G, Alcaraz‐Segura D. Precision restoration: a necessary approach to foster forest recovery in the 21st century. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Castro
- Department of Ecology University of Granada Granada 18071 Spain
| | | | - Francisco B. Navarro
- Area of Agriculture and Environment, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Government of Andalusia Camino de Purchil s/n Granada 18004 Spain
| | - Magnus Löf
- Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Lund 23422 Sweden
| | - Giorgio Vacchiano
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science University of Milan 20133 Italy
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22
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Jiménez-Gómez I, Barcoto MO, Montoya QV, Goes AC, Monteiro LSVE, Bueno OC, Rodrigues A. Host Susceptibility Modulates Escovopsis Pathogenic Potential in the Fungiculture of Higher Attine Ants. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:673444. [PMID: 34194409 PMCID: PMC8238408 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.673444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Health and disease emerge from intricate interactions between genotypes, phenotypes, and environmental features. The outcomes of such interactions are context-dependent, existing as a dynamic continuum ranging from benefits to damage. In host-microbial interactions, both the host and environmental conditions modulate the pathogenic potential of a microorganism. Microbial interactions are the core of the agricultural systems of ants in the subtribe Attina, which cultivate basidiomycete fungi for food. The fungiculture environment harbors a diverse microbial community, including fungi in the genus Escovopsis that has been studied as damage-causing agent. Here, we consider the ant colony as a host and investigate to what extent its health impacts the dynamics and outcomes of host-Escovopsis interactions. We found that different ant fungal cultivars vary in susceptibility to the same Escovopsis strains in plate-assays interactions. In subcolony-Escovopsis interactions, while healthy subcolonies gradually recover from infection with different concentrations of Escovopsis conidia, insecticide-treated subcolonies evidenced traits of infection and died within 7 days. The opportunistic nature of Escovopsis infections indicates that diseases in attine fungiculture are a consequence of host susceptibility, rather than the effect of a single microbial agent. By addressing the host susceptibility as a major modulator of Escovopsis pathogenesis, our findings expand the understanding of disease dynamics within attine colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Jiménez-Gómez
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil.,Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Mariana O Barcoto
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Quimi V Montoya
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Aryel C Goes
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Lana S V E Monteiro
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Odair C Bueno
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Andre Rodrigues
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
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Souza MLO, Oliveira RJ, Souza DJ, Samuels RI, Bragança MAL. Differential parasitism by four species of phorid flies when attacking three worker castes of the leaf-cutting ant Atta laevigata (Smith, 1858). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250973. [PMID: 33951103 PMCID: PMC8099092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain species of parasitic flies belonging to the Phoridae are known to attack Atta spp. workers foraging along trails, near nest openings used by the ants to supply the colony with plant material, and in the areas where the ants are actively cutting plant material. However, there have been no previous studies of phorid parasitism of non-foraging worker ants, for example excavators and soldiers. Excavators can be found on the surface around specialized nest openings, carrying and dumping soil on characteristic mounds. Soldiers can be found on the trails protecting foragers or guarding the different types of nest openings. The current study was performed to investigate the differential parasitism rates of Atta laevigata (Smith, 1858) worker castes by four species of phorids. Ants of all castes on trails and at nest entrances were collect from 18 mature colonies in the field. A total of 21,254 ants were collected from trails and 14,649 collected from the mounds of loose soil near nest openings. The captured workers were maintained under controlled laboratory conditions to evaluate the rate of parasitism. Of the ants collected from trails, 1,112 (5.23%) were found to have been parasitized, of which 1,102 were foragers and only 10 were soldiers. Of the ants collected from the soil mounds near the nest openings, only 27 (0.18%) were found to have been parasitized, of those 25 were excavators and 2 were soldiers. When evaluating parasitism of ants on the trails, 46.2% were attacked by Apocephalus attophilus Borgmeier, 1928, 22.6% by Myrmosicarius grandicornis Borgmeier, 1928, 16.6% by Eibesfeldtphora erthali (Brown, 2001) and 14.6% by Apocephalus vicosae Disney, 2000. Only two species of phorid, M. grandicornis and E. erthali, were observed parasitizing excavators, whilst only E. erthali parasitized soldiers. This is the first time that Atta spp. excavators and soldiers have been shown to be parasitized by phorids. The low rates of parasitism and specificity of certain phorid species for excavators and soldiers is discussed in relation to the behavioral interactions of hosts and their parasitoids, as well as the relationship between host and parasitoid size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lucimar O. Souza
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciências e Tecnologia do Tocantins, Curso de Gestão em Agronegócio, Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Rafael J. Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Porto Nacional, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Danival J. Souza
- Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Curso de Engenharia Florestal, Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Richard I. Samuels
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos A. L. Bragança
- Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Porto Nacional, Tocantins, Brazil
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Dionisi M, Ozier-Lafontaine H, Laplace D. Control of Amazonian Leaf-Cutting Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): A Multi-criteria Analysis. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 114:493-504. [PMID: 33547794 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa331] [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: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are one of the main pests found in the Americas and they cause global economic losses worth several billions of dollars. While pesticides have been the most widely used control method, new management alternatives in a context of agroecological transition are now being considered. This study focuses on the leaf-cutting ants species found in the pan-Amazon region. As part of efforts to improve management of these pests, this multi-criteria analysis of control strategies covers a total of 691 experiments collected from 153 studies, and the control were evaluated as a function of their management efficacy, environmental and human health impacts, and their ease of application. Chemical control methods were effective but posed a danger to human health and the environment, whereas mechanical methods and integrated management were more sustainable but not always very effective. Some of the biocontrol methods were evaluated as effective and safe for the environment and human health, including the use of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokïn (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) in the form of bait or sprayed in the nest, or the application of plant mulch in the nest using Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray (Asterales: Asteraceae) or Canavalia ensiformis L. DC. (Fabales: Fabaceae). Because of variations in the efficacy data between laboratory and field tests, we are in favor of evaluating these control methods during field studies with different leaf-cutting ant species and under different environmental conditions. These methods should adopt experimental arrangements that are appropriate for local socioeconomic conditions adapted for farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Dionisi
- INRAE, UR1321, ASTRO Agrosystèmes Tropicaux, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Harry Ozier-Lafontaine
- INRAE, UR1321, ASTRO Agrosystèmes Tropicaux, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France
- DEAAF de Guyane, Service Salim, Unité OQA, Cayenne, Guyane, France
| | - Damien Laplace
- DEAAF de Guyane, Service Salim, Unité OQA, Cayenne, Guyane, France
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25
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Melo WGDP, de Oliveira TB, Arcuri SL, de Morais PB, Pagnocca FC. Yeasts in the nests of the leaf-cutter ant Acromyrmex balzani in a Savanna biome: exploitation of community and metabolic diversity. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2021; 114:751-764. [PMID: 33738647 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-021-01555-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The leaf-cutter ant Acromyrmex balzani is responsible for causing important losses in reforestation areas, crops, and pastures, and is frequently found in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado). So far, there is no information regarding the yeast communities that occur in their nests. Here, we evaluated the diversity, composition, and structure of yeast communities in both fungus gardens (FG) and external refuse dump (RD) of this ant species (Palmas, Tocantins, northern Brazil). A total of 720 yeasts were isolated, comprising 52 species distributed in 29 genera. The RDs have significantly richer and more diverse yeast communities than the fungus gardens, regardless of the season and the level of preservation in the area. The isolates produced a wide range of carbon polymer-degrading enzymes and were able to assimilate carbon-sources present in plant materials. We observed a different proportion of enzyme-producers and carbon-assimilation found in external refuse dump and fungus gardens from preserved and disturbed areas, suggesting that this interaction may vary depending on the environmental conditions. A. balzani nests in the savanna biome are a hotspot of yeast species with ecological, clinical, and biotechnological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilan Gomes da Paixão Melo
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13560-900, Brazil. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
| | - Tássio Brito de Oliveira
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13560-900, Brazil.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Silvio Lovato Arcuri
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13560-900, Brazil
| | - Paula Benevides de Morais
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Federal University of Tocantins (UFT), Palmas, TO, 77020-220, Brazil
| | - Fernando Carlos Pagnocca
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13560-900, Brazil
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Poiani SB, Pereira MC, Bueno OC. Transmission Electron Microscopy as a Tool to Study the Toxicological Effects of Thiamethoxam in Workers of Atta sexdens (Myrmicinae, Attini). MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2021; 27:170-186. [PMID: 33280633 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620024733] [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: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid that has been used to control insect pests. The literature reports a few behavioral studies evaluating the toxic effect of thiamethoxam in ants; however, there are scarce studies at the cellular level. The present research evaluated the effects of thiamethoxam in labial (LG) and mandibular glands (MG), fat bodies (FB), and Malpighian tubules (MT) of workers of Atta sexdens, using transmission electron microscopy. The duct and secretory cells of LG were profoundly affected, then the production of saliva can be compromised, as well as its quality and subsequent use. In MG, reservoir and canaliculi cells presented slight alterations; however, MG secretory cells presented vacuoles containing lamellar structures, increased lipid production, and a large amount of mitochondria, which may lead to organ's malfunctioning. The FB cell alterations do not seem enough to cause significant changes that lead to cell death. Prominent changes in MT, such as loss of the electron-dense concentric ring, increased smooth endoplasmic reticulum, loss of basal infolds, vacuoles containing mineralized granules, and lamellar structures associated with mitochondria, suggest that their excretory function is compromised. In conclusion, thiamethoxam acts not only in the nervous system but also contributes to systemic toxicity on the target organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana B Poiani
- Department of Biology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences - Campus Rio Claro, Center of Study of Social Insects, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP13506-900, Brazil
| | - Mayara C Pereira
- Department of Biology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences - Campus Rio Claro, Center of Study of Social Insects, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP13506-900, Brazil
| | - Odair C Bueno
- Department of Biology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences - Campus Rio Claro, Center of Study of Social Insects, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP13506-900, Brazil
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27
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Gandra LC, Amaral KD, Couceiro JC, Guedes RN, Della Lucia TM. Does resource-mediated stress affect colony personality in leaf-cutting ants? PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:96-103. [PMID: 32770614 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6033] [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: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal personality refers to behavioral consistency and propensity. In social insects, little is known about the interplay between colony personality and colony foraging. This study aimed to assess personality traits among colonies of the leaf-cutting ants Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus and Acromyrmex subterraneus molestans and examine their behavioral consistency when provided with a toxic substrate, nasturtium leaves [Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae)], with potential as a management tool against these pest species. The association between colony behavioral traits and fungus garden growth was also examined, and thus the efficacy of the colony suppression. RESULTS Behavioral variation was higher between colonies than between subspecies. Behavioral traits were correlated before and after exposure to resource-mediated stress in both subspecies, indicating the existence of behavioral syndrome. The dimensions that contributed most to colony personality (activity, aggressiveness, and boldness) are directly related to colony resource searching and foraging. However, these dimensions diverged in their contribution before and after exposure to nasturtium. Colony activity was the major determinant of fungus garden growth, which is probably a consequence of its relationship with foraging behaviors and maintenance of the fungus garden. CONCLUSION As the personality of a colony is unequally defined by its constituent castes, the relationship and network of interactions are determinants of foraging behaviors with relevant consequences for colony suppression using toxic foraging substrates that impair these relationships and interactions, as nasturtium leaves do. Therefore, it is plausible to say that resource-mediated stress affects colonies personality exhibiting control potential against these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lailla C Gandra
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa - Campus Florestal, Florestal, Brazil
| | - Karina D Amaral
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Joel C Couceiro
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Raul Nc Guedes
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
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28
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Muñoz-Valencia V, Kähkönen K, Montoya-Lerma J, Díaz F. Characterization of a New Set of Microsatellite Markers Suggests Polygyny and Polyandry in Atta cephalotes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 113:3021-3027. [PMID: 32964936 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The leaf-cutting ant, Atta cephalotes L. (1758), is a major herbivore with great economic impact in the Neotropics. Because of its broad range and human-mediated dissemination, the ecology of this ant has received considerable attention; however, questions concerning its population genetics, dispersal, and social structure remain unexplored. Here, we aimed to identify and provide information on molecular and statistical performance of a suite of polymorphic microsatellite markers for A. cephalotes while demonstrating their utility for further genetic studies. We designed primer sequences targeting thousands of microsatellite loci and then screened 30 of these for amplification and polymorphism. Fifteen of these loci were selected and used to evaluate their polymorphism using 74 ants sampled from 15 different nests of the same location. This set of 15 loci exhibited variation of 2-20 alleles, with a mean heterozygosity of 0.57. All loci followed Hardy-Weinberg expectations with no evidence of linkage disequilibrium, while two loci showed evidence of null alleles. Our preliminary analysis suggested substantial nest differentiation with no population viscosity within the sampled location, as well as colonies with multiple queens (polygyny) and paternity (polyandry). Our newly identified microsatellites have proven to be highly informative to investigate gene flow, social structure and reproduction of this key agricultural pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Muñoz-Valencia
- Grupo de Ecología de Agroecosistemas y Hábitats Naturales, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, Universidad del Valle, Meléndez campus, Cali, Colombia
| | - Kirsi Kähkönen
- Organismal and Evolutionary Research Program, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - James Montoya-Lerma
- Grupo de Ecología de Agroecosistemas y Hábitats Naturales, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, Universidad del Valle, Meléndez campus, Cali, Colombia
| | - Fernando Díaz
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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29
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Amaral KD, Gandra LC, de Souza DJ, Della Lucia TMC. Deleterious action of azadirachtin against the mutualistic fungus of leaf-cutting ants. J Basic Microbiol 2020; 60:931-937. [PMID: 33135277 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202000541] [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: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants have a beneficial and obligatory relationship with the fungus that they grow. This mutualism allowed the evolutionary success of these ants. The great defoliation capacity of these insects, which often exceeds the level of tolerable economic damage, includes them as severe pests in many cultures. However, given the close relationship between these two agents of mutualism, it is expected that an impact on the fungus will reflect on the performance of the colony as a whole. Therefore, the effect of azadirachtin on the development, and the macronutrient composition of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus was evaluated. Azadirachtin reduced the final fungal mass at the end of treatment at all concentrations tested, but did not reduce the final growth area. A reduction in the amount of hyphae produced with increasing azadirachtin concentration was also observed. Regarding macronutrients, the compound did not affect their total amount in the fungus. Thus, it is observed that azadirachtin did not alter the composition of L. gongylophorus macronutrients, but inhibited its growth by reducing the number of hyphae produced. This reduction reflects directly on the amount of nutrients offered to the workers and the queen and may improve the management of these insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina D Amaral
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lailla C Gandra
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Florestal, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danival J de Souza
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produção Vegetal, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
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30
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Amer Hamzah H, Rixson D, Paul-Taylor J, Doan HV, Dadswell C, Roffe GW, Sridhar A, Hobday CL, Wedd C, Düren T, Hughes WOH, Spencer J, Burrows AD. Inclusion and release of ant alarm pheromones from metal-organic frameworks. Dalton Trans 2020; 49:10334-10338. [PMID: 32691808 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt02047h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Zinc(ii) and zirconium(iv) metal-organic frameworks show uptake and slow release of the ant alarm pheromones 3-octanone and 4-methyl-3-heptanone. Inclusion of N-propyl groups on the MOFs allows for enhanced uptake and release over several months. In preliminary field trials, leaf cutting ants show normal behavioural responses to the released pheromones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harina Amer Hamzah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Daniel Rixson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Joseph Paul-Taylor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Huan V Doan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Christopher Dadswell
- Chemistry Department, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QJ, UK
| | - Gavin W Roffe
- Chemistry Department, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QJ, UK
| | - Arun Sridhar
- Centre for Advanced Separations Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Claire L Hobday
- Centre for Advanced Separations Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Charlie Wedd
- Centre for Advanced Separations Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Tina Düren
- Centre for Advanced Separations Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - William O H Hughes
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QJ, UK
| | - John Spencer
- Chemistry Department, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QJ, UK
| | - Andrew D Burrows
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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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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32
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Ramalho MDO, Martins C, Morini MSC, Bueno OC. What Can the Bacterial Community of Atta sexdens (Linnaeus, 1758) Tell Us about the Habitats in Which This Ant Species Evolves? INSECTS 2020; 11:E332. [PMID: 32481532 PMCID: PMC7349130 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies of bacterial communities can reveal the evolutionary significance of symbiotic interactions between hosts and their associated bacteria, as well as identify environmental factors that may influence host biology. Atta sexdens is an ant species native to Brazil that can act as an agricultural pest due to its intense behavior of cutting plants. Despite being extensively studied, certain aspects of the general biology of this species remain unclear, such as the evolutionary implications of the symbiotic relationships it forms with bacteria. Using high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, we compared for the first time the bacterial community of A. sexdens (whole ant workers) populations according to the habitat (natural versus agricultural) and geographical location. Our results revealed that the bacterial community associated with A. sexdens is mainly influenced by the geographical location, and secondarily by the differences in habitat. Also, the bacterial community associated with citrus differed significantly from the other communities due to the presence of Tsukamurella. In conclusion, our study suggests that environmental shifts may influence the bacterial diversity found in A. sexdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela de Oliveira Ramalho
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais—CEIS, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil;
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, 129 Garden Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Cintia Martins
- Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Av. São Sebastião, 2819, Parnaíba, Piauí 64202-020, Brazil;
| | - Maria Santina Castro Morini
- Núcleo de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida e Souza, 200, Centro Cívico, Mogi das Cruzes 08780-911, SP, Brazil;
| | - Odair Correa Bueno
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais—CEIS, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil;
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Melo CR, Oliveira BMS, Santos ACC, Silva JE, Ribeiro GT, Blank AF, Araújo APA, Bacci L. Synergistic effect of aromatic plant essential oils on the ant Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and antifungal activity on its symbiotic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (Agaricales: Agaricaceae). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:17303-17313. [PMID: 32157534 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08170-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants have great potential for damage to agricultural and forest crops. Although chemical control is the most used method for the management of this pest, more friendly alternative methods have been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal and antifungal potential of essential oils obtained from Aristolochia trilobata, as well as the potential of two chemotypes of Myrcia lundiana and their major compounds (isopulegol and citral) on Acromyrmex balzani and its symbiotic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus. Toxicity and synergism and/or antagonism tests were performed using essential oils and their major compounds on A. balzani ants. The antifungal activity of these compounds was tested on the fungus L. gongylophorus. The essential oils and their major compounds were toxic to A. balzani. The mixture of essential oils of A. trilobata with those of M. lundiana had higher toxicity to the ants. This synergistic effect is mainly due to the interactions between the citral compound and the major compounds present in A. trilobata essential oil. The essential oils of M. lundiana chemotypes showed antifungal properties against L. gongylophorus, and the citral compound proved to have fungicidal activity. These results show that the use of M. lundiana and A. trilobata essential oils and their major compounds is a potential alternative for the management of leaf-cutting ants A. balzani, as they have a toxic effect on worker ants and antifungal activity on their symbiotic fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlisson R Melo
- Department of Agronomic Engineering, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49035-660, Brazil
| | - Bruna Maria S Oliveira
- Department of Agronomic Engineering, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49035-660, Brazil
| | - Ane Caroline C Santos
- Department of Agronomic Engineering, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49035-660, Brazil
| | - Jefferson E Silva
- Department of Agronomic Engineering, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49035-660, Brazil
| | - Genésio T Ribeiro
- Department of Agronomic Engineering, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49035-660, Brazil
| | - Arie F Blank
- Department of Agronomic Engineering, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49035-660, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula A Araújo
- Ecology Department, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Leandro Bacci
- Department of Agronomic Engineering, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49035-660, Brazil.
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34
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Dillapiole in Piper holtonii as an Inhibitor of the Symbiotic Fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus of Leaf-Cutting Ants. J Chem Ecol 2020; 46:668-674. [PMID: 32173778 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-020-01170-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Plants of the Piperaceae family are studied for their diverse secondary metabolism with a vast array of compounds that act as chemical defense agents against herbivores. Of all the agricultural pests, the management of insects is a highly significant challenge in the Neotropics, and ants of the Attini tribe pose a major problem. Due to their symbiotic association with the fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (Möller) Singer (Agaricaceae), the species of Atta and Acromyrmex have exhaustive foraging activity which has intensified as deforestation and monoculture farming have increased. The control of leaf-cutting ants is still carried out with synthetic products with negative consequences to the environment and human health. In search for natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides, Piper holtonii C. DC. was selected among other plant species after field observations of the foraging activity of Atta cephalotes, which revealed that P. holtonii was never chosen by ants. In vitro evaluation of an ethanol extract of the leaves of P. holtonii resulted in promising inhibitory activity (IC50 102 ppm) against L. gongylophorus. Subsequently, bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of the phenylpropanoid dillapiole, which was also detected in the essential oil. This compound demonstrated inhibition of the fungus with an IC50 of 38 ppm. Considering the symbiotic relationship between the Attini ants and L. gongylophorus, the negative effect on the survival of one of the organisms will affect the survival of the other, so dillapiole or standardized essential oil extracts of P. holtonii containing this active principle could be a unique and useful source as a control agent for leaf cutting-ants.
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35
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Fernandez-Bou AS, Dierick D, Harmon TC. Diel pattern driven by free convection controls leaf-cutter ant nest ventilation and greenhouse gas emissions in a Neotropical rain forest. Oecologia 2020; 192:591-601. [PMID: 31989321 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-020-04602-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Leaf-cutter ant nests are biogeochemical hot spots where ants live and import vegetation to grow fungus. Metabolic activity and (in wet tropical forests) soil gas flux to the nest may result in high nest CO2 concentrations if not adequately ventilated. Wind-driven ventilation mitigates high CO2 concentrations in grasslands, but little is known about exchange for forest species faced with prolonged windless conditions. We studied Atta cephalotes nests located under dense canopy (leaf area index > 5) in a wet tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, where wind events are infrequent. We instrumented nests with thermocouples and flow-through CO2 sensing chambers. The results showed that CO2 concentrations exiting leaf-cutter ant nests follow a diel pattern with higher values at night. We developed an efflux model based on pressure differences that evaluated the observed CO2 diel pattern in terms of ventilation by (1) free convection (warm, less dense air rises out the nest more prominently at night) and (2) episodic wind-forced convection events providing occasional supplemental ventilation during daytime. Average greenhouse gas emissions were estimated through nest vents at about 78 kg CO2eq nest-1 year-1. At the ecosystem level, leaf-cutter ant nest vents accounted for 0.2% to 1% of total rainforest soil emissions. In wet, clayey tropical soils, leaf-cutter ant nests act as free convection-driven conduits for exporting CO2 and other greenhouse gases produced within the nest (fungus and ant respiration, refuse decay), and by roots and soil microbes surrounding the nest. This allows A. cephalotes nests to be ventilated without reliable wind conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diego Dierick
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, USA
- La Selva Biological Station, Organization for Tropical Studies, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
| | - Thomas C Harmon
- School of Engineering, Environmental Systems Program, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA
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Silva AF, Caetano RL, Carriço C, Amorim M, Gazeta GS, Pinto ZT. Rhizoglyphus echinopus (Acari: Acaridae) associated with Atta sexdens (Insecta: Formicidae). ARQUIVOS DO INSTITUTO BIOLÓGICO 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1808-1657000692019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Four deutonymphs of bulb mites (hypopus) from Rhizoglyphus echinopus (Fumouze & Robin) (Acari: Acaridae) were found attached to the head of Atta sexdens in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This mite species is commonly associated with ornamental plants and trees with bulbs, corms and tubers. The results of this study provided an insight into the phoretic relationship between mites and ants, indicating the role of the latter in the dispersion of the first. Despite the abundant and diverse mite fauna existing in ants, little is known about their diversity, biology, ecology and the nature of their associations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Leal Caetano
- Universidade Estácio de Sá, Brazil; Instituto Oswaldo Cruz – Laboratório de Educação em Ambiente e Saúde, Brazil
| | - Cesar Carriço
- Instituto Brasileiro de Medicina de Reabilitação, Brazil; Instituto Oswaldo Cruz – Laboratório de Educação em Ambiente e Saúde, Brazil
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Calheiros AC, Ronque MUV, Soares H, Oliveira PS. Foraging Ecology of the Leaf-Cutter Ant, Acromyrmex subterraneus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in a Neotropical Cerrado Savanna. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 48:1434-1441. [PMID: 31605614 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvz120] [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: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fungus-farming ants cultivate a fungal symbiont inside the nest that serves as a food source. Leaf-cutter ants are distinctive among fungus-farmers because they forage for fresh plant material to nurture the fungus. Here we investigate the foraging ecology of Acromyrmex subterraneus (Forel) in the Brazilian cerrado savanna. We examined the species activity pattern, forage material collected, and the relationship between load mass and forager size. Ant activity peaked at night and was negatively related to temperature but positively related to relative air humidity. The majority of the items collected by ants was plant material: dry and fresh leaves, flowers, and fruits. Trunk trails ranged from 0.7 to 13 m and colony home ranged from 2 to 28 m2, indicating that ants collect material nearby the nest. Total load mass was positively associated with forager size, especially in the case of leaves. The negative relationship between ant size and burden suggests that ants might optimize their delivery rate by collecting lighter substrates more frequently. Given their pest status, most studies on leaf-cutters are undertaken in human-altered environments. Information on A. subterraneus in native cerrado is imperative given the threatened status of this vegetation. Leaf-cutters thrive in disturbed cerrado and severe seedling herbivory may hinder vegetation recovery. Our fieldwork may provide insights for management techniques of Acromyrmex colonies in agroecosystems, as well as for restoration programs of degraded cerrado areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Calheiros
- Progama de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas SP, Brazil
| | - Mariane U V Ronque
- Progama de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas SP, Brazil
| | - Hélio Soares
- Progama de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo S Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas SP, Brazil
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Amaral KD, Gandra LC, de Oliveira MA, de Souza DJ, Della Lucia TMC. Effect of azadirachtin on mortality and immune response of leaf-cutting ants. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 28:1190-1197. [PMID: 31696443 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants are difficult pests to control because they have numerous defense strategies and are highly selective in their plant harvesting choices. The search for effective pest control methods that have minimal negative effects on the environment has been continuous. Azadirachtin, a compound extracted from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), is a promising alternative for the control of various pests, as it is toxic to some insects but readily degrades in the environment. In this study, we evaluated the effects of azadirachtin on the mortality, through topical exposure to the compound, and immune response, by introducing an artificial antigen into leaf-cutting ants Atta sexdens and Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus. Azadirachtin caused death to minor and major workers of both species in a concentration-dependent manner. Topical application of the compound did not diminish the immune response of ants in a microfilament encapsulation assay. Azadirachtin showed no effect on the immune response of workers but increased worker mortality, which indicates its potential as an ant control agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina D Amaral
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Lailla C Gandra
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
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Soper FM, Sullivan BW, Osborne BB, Shaw AN, Philippot L, Cleveland CC. Leaf-cutter ants engineer large nitrous oxide hot spots in tropical forests. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20182504. [PMID: 30963857 PMCID: PMC6367188 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Though tropical forest ecosystems are among the largest natural sources of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O), the spatial distribution of emissions across landscapes is often poorly resolved. Leaf cutter ants (LCA; Atta and Acromyrmex, Myrmicinae) are dominant herbivores throughout Central and South America, and influence multiple aspects of forest structure and function. In particular, their foraging creates spatial heterogeneity by concentrating large quantities of organic matter (including nitrogen, N) from the surrounding canopy into their colonies, and ultimately into colony refuse dumps. Here, we demonstrate that refuse piles created by LCA species Atta colombica in tropical rainforests of Costa Rica provide ideal conditions for extremely high rates of N2O production (high microbial biomass, potential denitrification enzyme activity, N content and anoxia) and may represent an unappreciated source of heterogeneity in tropical forest N2O emissions. Average instantaneous refuse pile N2O fluxes surpassed background emissions by more than three orders of magnitude (in some cases exceeding 80 000 µg N2O-N m-2 h-1) and generating fluxes comparable to or greater than those produced by engineered systems such as wastewater treatment tanks. Refuse-concentrating Atta species are ubiquitous in tropical forests, pastures and production ecosystems, and increase density strongly in response to disturbance. As such, LCA colonies may represent an unrecognized greenhouse gas point source throughout the Neotropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M. Soper
- Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W. A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Benjamin W. Sullivan
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Brooke B. Osborne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Alanna N. Shaw
- Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W. A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | | | - Cory C. Cleveland
- Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W. A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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Farder-Gomes CF, da Silva VP, Pereira TPL, Serrão JE, Pires EM, Oliveira MA. Parasitism, sexual dimorphism and effect of host size on Apocephalus attophilus offspring, a parasitoid of the leaf-cutting ant Atta bisphaerica. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208253. [PMID: 30507956 PMCID: PMC6277103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atta bisphaerica (Forel) is a leaf-cutting ant that specializes on grass and causes productivity losses in sugar cane fields and pastures. Three phorid species, Apocephalus attophilus (Borgmeier), Myrmosicarius grandicornis (Borgmeier) and Eibesfeldtphora bragancai (Brown), have been found parasitizing A. bisphaerica workers. These parasitoids can reduce plant material transported into the nests and ant traffic on the trails. Therefore, phorid flies have been considered potential biological control agents for leaf-cutting ants. Here, we evaluated which parasitoid species attack the leaf-cutting ant A. bisphaerica in pasture areas of a Brazilian Savannah-Atlantic Forest ecotone, parasitism rate, effect of host size, sexual dimorphism and sex ratio of the emerged parasitoids. Four nests of A. bisphaerica were selected in pasture areas from August 2016 to August 2017, with 400 workers collected from each colony monthly. A total of 23,714 A. bisphaerica workers were collected during the study, of which 236 (0.99%) were parasitized by phorid parasitoids. Apocephalus attophilus, E. bragancai and M. grandicornis parasitized 217, 17 and 2 ants, respectively. The higher parasitism rate was found in the hottest/rainy season of the year. Non-parasitized ants survived longer than those parasitized by A. attophilus. The larval and pupal periods of this parasitoid were 2.2 ± 0.8 and 16 ± 1.4 days, respectively, and the number of pupae per parasitized ant ranged from 1 to 7. The number of A. attophilus pupae per host increased with the host head size. Likewise, the size of the adult parasitoids also increased according to the host ant. Apocephalus attophilus females were larger than males and the sex ratio (male: female) did not differ from 1: 1. Our results showed that A. attophilus would be a potential biocontrol agent of leaf-cutting ants because it produces multiple larvae per host, allowing a great production of parasitoids with short developmental time and kills the host ant faster than other phorids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Verônica Priscila da Silva
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Viçosa Campus Florestal, Florestal, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Departament of Entomology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Evaldo Martins Pires
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso Campus Sinop, Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Marco Antonio Oliveira
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Viçosa Campus Florestal, Florestal, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Amaral KD, Martínez LC, Pereira Lima MA, Serrão JE, Della Lucia TMC. Azadirachtin impairs egg production in Atta sexdens leaf-cutting ant queens. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 243:809-814. [PMID: 30243189 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants are important pests of forests and agricultural crops in the Neotropical region. Atta sexdens colonies can be composed of thousands of individuals, which form a highly complex society with a single reproductive queen. Successful control of this species is achieved only if the queen is affected. Few data are available on the lethal or sublethal effects of toxic compounds on leaf-cutting ant queens. Azadirachtin has been claimed as an effective biopesticide for insect control, but its action on leaf-cutting ants has been little explored. This study shows that azadirachtin affects oviposition in A. sexdens queens, impairing egg development by decreasing protein reserves. Azadirachtin inhibits the synthesis of vitellogenin, the major yolk protein precursor. The negative effects of azadirachtin on the reproduction of leaf-cutting ant queens suggest a potential use for the control of these insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Dias Amaral
- Department of Entomology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil.
| | - Luis Carlos Martínez
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil.
| | | | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil.
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Osti JF, Rodrigues A. Escovopsioides as a fungal antagonist of the fungus cultivated by leafcutter ants. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:130. [PMID: 30305028 PMCID: PMC6180628 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1265-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fungus gardens of fungus-growing (attine) ants harbor complex microbiomes in addition to the mutualistic fungus they cultivate for food. Fungi in the genus Escovopsioides were recently described as members of this microbiome but their role in the ant-fungus symbiosis is poorly known. In this study, we assessed the phylogenetic diversity of 21 Escovopsioides isolates obtained from fungus gardens of leafcutter ants (genera Atta and Acromyrmex) and non-leafcutter ants (genera Trachymyrmex and Apterostigma) sampled from several regions in Brazil. Results Regardless of the sample locality or ant genera, phylogenetic analysis showed low genetic diversity among the 20 Escovopsisoides isolates examined, which prompted the identification as Escovopsioides nivea (the only described species in the genus). In contrast, one Escovopsioides isolate obtained from a fungus garden of Apterostigma megacephala was considered a new phylogenetic species. Dual-culture plate assays showed that Escovopsioides isolates inhibited the mycelium growth of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, the mutualistic fungus cultivated by somes species of leafcutter ants. In addition, Escovopsioides growth experiments in fungus gardens with and without ant workers showed this fungus is detrimental to the ant-fungus symbiosis. Conclusions Here, we provide clues for the antagonism of Escovopsioides towards the mutualistic fungus of leafcutter ants. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1265-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Flavio Osti
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Andre Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil. .,Center for the Studies of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil.
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Arenas A, Roces F. Appetitive and aversive learning of plants odors inside different nest compartments by foraging leaf-cutting ants. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 109:85-92. [PMID: 29981324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2018.07.001] [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: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cues inside the nest provide social insect foragers with information about resources currently exploited that may influence their decisions outside. Leaf-cutting ants harvest leaf fragments that are either further processed as substrate for their symbiotic fungus, or disposed of if unsuitable. We investigated whether Acromyrmex ambiguus foragers develop learned preferences for olfactory cues they experienced either in the fungus or in the waste chamber of the nest. Foragers' olfactory preferences were quantified as a choice between sugared papers disks scented with a novel odor and with the odor experienced in one of the nest compartments, before and after odor addition. Odors incorporated in the fungus chamber led to preferences towards paper disks smelling of them. Conversely, odors experienced in the waste chambers led to avoidance of similarly-scented disks. To investigate context-specificity of responses, we quantified learned preferences towards an odor that occurred first in the fungus chamber, and 14 h later in the waste chamber. Foragers initially developed a preference for the odor added in the fungus chamber that turned into avoidance when the same odor solely occurred later in the waste chamber. Avoidance of plants could also be induced in a more natural context, when fresh leaf disks of novel plants, privet or firethorn, were presented in the waste chamber. We conclude that learned acceptance or rejection of suitable plants by foragers depend on the learning context: smells can lead to appetitive learning when present in the fungus garden, or to avoidance learning when they occur at the dump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Arenas
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Flavio Roces
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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Green PWC, Kooij PW. The role of chemical signalling in maintenance of the fungus garden by leaf-cutting ants. CHEMOECOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-018-0260-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Li M, Yang Y, He Y, Mathieu J, Yu C, Li Q, Alvarez PJJ. Detection and cell sorting of Pseudonocardia species by fluorescence in situ hybridization and flow cytometry using 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:3375-3386. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8801-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Farder-Gomes CF, Oliveira MA, Gonçalves PL, Gontijo LM, Zanuncio JC, Bragança MAL, Pires EM. Reproductive ecology of phorid parasitoids in relation to the head size of leaf-cutting ants Atta sexdens Forel. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2017; 107:487-492. [PMID: 27903323 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485316001073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is one of the most damaging agricultural pests in the Neotropics. Management strategies predominantly rely on the use of general insecticides. What is needed are more species-specific and environmentally friendly options. Parasitioids such as phorid flies (Diptera: Phoridae) may be one such option, but a greater understanding of the ecology of the flies and their ant hosts is essential to devise biological control strategies. Here we report parasitism rates, ant host size, parasitoid abundance per host and resultant sex ratios of two phorid species Apocephalus attophilus Borgmeier and Eibesfeldtphora tonhascai Brown parasitizing A.sexdens. The two species achieved parasitism rates of 1.48 and 1.46%, respectively and the pupal period was 14.7 ± 1.1 days and 22.1 ± 2.8 days, respectively. There was no significant difference between the head capsule width of ants parasitized by either A. attophilus or E. tonhascai. Likewise, there was no significant effect between the head capsule width of parasitized and unparasitized ants for both species. A significant positive correlation was found between the head capsule width of the parasitized ants and the number of adult parasitoids A. attophilus emerged. Ants parasitized by E. tonhascai survived significantly longer than those parasitized by A. attophilus. There was no significant effect of ant head width on the sex ratio of the offspring of either parasitoid species and no significant difference in the sex ratio (male: female) of their offspring. In summary, these data addressed here are important steps when considering natural enemies for biological control. Studying survival of the parasitized ants, parasitoid offspring sex ratio and host size preference allows for a better understanding of ant natural biological control in the field and can help in rearing of A. attophilus and E. tonhascai in laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F Farder-Gomes
- Departamento de Biologia Animal,Universidade Federal de Viçosa,Viçosa,Minas Gerais,Brasil
| | - M A Oliveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa,campusUFV Florestal,Florestal,Minas Gerais,Brasil
| | - P L Gonçalves
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa,campusUFV Florestal,Florestal,Minas Gerais,Brasil
| | - L M Gontijo
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Viçosa,campusUFV Florestal,Florestal,Minas Gerais,Brasil
| | - J C Zanuncio
- Departamento de Biologia Animal,Universidade Federal de Viçosa,Viçosa,Minas Gerais,Brasil
| | - M A L Bragança
- Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Tocantins,Porto Nacional,Tocantins,Brasil
| | - E M Pires
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso,campusSinop,Sinop,Mato Grosso,Brasil
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do Nascimento MO, de Almeida Sarmento R, Dos Santos GR, de Oliveira CA, de Souza DJ. Antagonism of Trichoderma isolates against Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (Singer) Möller. J Basic Microbiol 2017; 57:699-704. [PMID: 28614606 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201600755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi from the genus Trichoderma are commonly found in soil. They are considered facultative mycoparasites, and are antagonists of other fungi such as the cultivar of leaf-cutting ants (Leucoagaricus gongylophorus). The aim of the present study was to bioprospect Trichoderma spp. from different soils collected from Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil, for antagonistic effects against the mutualistic fungus of leaf-cutting ants. To isolate filamentous fungi, samples were collected from six locations. Preliminarily, isolates were identified by morphological analysis as belonging to Trichoderma. Trichoderma spp. had their internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA) sequenced to confirm species-level taxonomy. L. gongylophorus was isolated from a laboratory ant colony. Antagonistic properties of seven isolates of Trichoderma against L. gongylophorus were measured using paired disks in Petri dishes with potato dextrose agar medium (PDA). All Trichoderma isolates inhibited the growth of L. gongylophorus in Petri dishes. Isolate 2 of Trichoderma spirale group exhibited slow mycelial growth in the Petri dish, and a high rate of inhibition against L. gongylophorus. This isolate is a promising fungus for field tests of biological control methods for leaf-cutting ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Otoni do Nascimento
- Campus Universitário de Gurupi (Gurupi University Campus), Universidade Federal do Tocantins (Federal University of Tocantins), Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Renato de Almeida Sarmento
- Campus Universitário de Gurupi (Gurupi University Campus), Universidade Federal do Tocantins (Federal University of Tocantins), Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Gil Rodrigues Dos Santos
- Campus Universitário de Gurupi (Gurupi University Campus), Universidade Federal do Tocantins (Federal University of Tocantins), Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Cléia Almeida de Oliveira
- Campus Universitário de Gurupi (Gurupi University Campus), Universidade Federal do Tocantins (Federal University of Tocantins), Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
| | - Danival José de Souza
- Campus Universitário de Gurupi (Gurupi University Campus), Universidade Federal do Tocantins (Federal University of Tocantins), Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil
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Barcoto MO, Pedrosa F, Bueno OC, Rodrigues A. Pathogenic nature of Syncephalastrum in Atta sexdens rubropilosa fungus gardens. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:999-1009. [PMID: 27539810 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leaf-cutter ants are considered to be a major herbivore and agricultural pest in the Neotropics. They are often controlled by environmentally persistent insecticides. Biological control using pathogenic fungi is regarded as an alternative for the management of these insects. Here, we assess whether the filamentous fungus Syncephalastrum sp. is a pathogenic microorganism responsible for a characteristic disease in fungus gardens. We also characterise the damage caused by this fungus by evaluating physiological and behavioural responses of Atta sexdens rubropilosa subcolonies infected with Syncephalastrum sp. RESULTS Syncephalastrum sp. fulfils Koch's postulates characterising it as a pathogenic microorganism. Ant workers recognise the infection and remove contaminated fragments from the fungus garden. Syncephalastrum sp. infection causes an interruption of foraging activity, an increase in ant mortality, subcolony deterioration and an increase in the amount of waste generated, all resulting in subcolony death. Syncephalastrum sp. also inhibits the ant fungal cultivar in vitro. The pathogenic effect of Syncephalastrum sp. does not depend on host morbidity or stress (e.g. worker mortality caused by an entomopathogenic fungus). CONCLUSION Syncephalastrum sp. treatment resulted in progressive damage in subcolonies. The interactions among Syncephalastrum sp., fungus garden and ants offer new opportunities in integrated pest management of leaf-cutter ants. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana O Barcoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Pedrosa
- Department of Ecology, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Odair C Bueno
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andre Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
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Rocha SL, Evans HC, Jorge VL, Cardoso LAO, Pereira FST, Rocha FB, Barreto RW, Hart AG, Elliot SL. Recognition of endophytic Trichoderma species by leaf-cutting ants and their potential in a Trojan-horse management strategy. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:160628. [PMID: 28484603 PMCID: PMC5414240 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between leaf-cutting ants, their fungal symbiont (Leucoagaricus) and the endophytic fungi within the vegetation they carry into their colonies are still poorly understood. If endophytes antagonistic to Leucoagaricus were found in plant material being carried by these ants, then this might indicate a potential mechanism for plants to defend themselves from leaf-cutter attack. In addition, it could offer possibilities for the management of these important Neotropical pests. Here, we show that, for Atta sexdens rubropilosa, there was a significantly greater incidence of Trichoderma species in the vegetation removed from the nests-and deposited around the entrances-than in that being transported into the nests. In a no-choice test, Trichoderma-infested rice was taken into the nest, with deleterious effects on both the fungal gardens and ant survival. The endophytic ability of selected strains of Trichoderma was also confirmed, following their inoculation and subsequent reisolation from seedlings of eucalyptus. These results indicate that endophytic fungi which pose a threat to ant fungal gardens through their antagonistic traits, such as Trichoderma, have the potential to act as bodyguards of their plant hosts and thus might be employed in a Trojan-horse strategy to mitigate the negative impact of leaf-cutting ants in both agriculture and silviculture in the Neotropics. We posit that the ants would detect and evict such 'malign' endophytes-artificially inoculated into vulnerable crops-during the quality-control process within the nest, and, moreover, that the foraging ants may then be deterred from further harvesting of 'Trichoderma-enriched' plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silma L. Rocha
- Department of Entomology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Harry C. Evans
- Department of Entomology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Phytopathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
- CAB International, E-UK, Egham, Surrey TW20 9TY, UK
| | - Vanessa L. Jorge
- Department of Entomology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucimar A. O. Cardoso
- Department of Entomology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S. T. Pereira
- Department of Entomology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabiano B. Rocha
- Department of Phytopathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Robert W. Barreto
- Department of Phytopathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adam G. Hart
- Department of Natural and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, The Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 2RH, UK
| | - Simon L. Elliot
- Department of Entomology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Lemes PG, Zanuncio JC, Serrão JE, Lawson SA. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) pesticide policy and integrated pest management in certified tropical plantations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:1283-1295. [PMID: 27771878 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7729-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was the first non-governmental organization composed of multi-stakeholders to ensure the social, environmental, and economic sustainability of forest resources. FSC prohibits certain chemicals and active ingredients in certified forest plantations. A company seeking certification must discontinue use of products so listed and many face problems to comply with these constraints. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of certification on pest management from the perspective of Brazilian private forestry sector. Ninety-three percent of Brazilian FSC-certified forest companies rated leaf-cutting ants as "very important" pests. Chemical control was the most important management technique used and considered very important by 82 % of respondents. The main chemical used to control leaf-cutting ants, sulfluramid, is in the derogation process and was classified as very important by 96.5 % of the certified companies. Certified companies were generally satisfied in relation to FSC certification and the integrated management of forest pests, but 27.6 % agreed that the prohibitions of pesticides for leaf-cutting ant and termite control could be considered as a non-tariff barrier on high-productivity Brazilian forest plantations. FSC forest certification has encouraged the implementation of more sustainable techniques and decisions in pest management in forest plantations in Brazil. The prohibition on pesticides like sulfluramid and the use of alternatives without the same efficiency will result in pest mismanagement, production losses, and higher costs. This work has shown that the application of global rules for sustainable forest management needs to adapt to each local reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Guilherme Lemes
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Universitária, 1000, Universitário, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, 39404-547, Brazil.
| | - José Cola Zanuncio
- Departamento de Engenharia Florestal/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P. H. Rolfs, s/n, Centro, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P. H. Rolfs, s/n, Centro, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Simon A Lawson
- Forest Industries Research Centre, Faculty of Arts and Business, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
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