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Dong H, Huang X, Gao Q, Li S, Yang S, Chen F. Research Progress on the Species and Diversity of Ants and Their Three Tropisms. INSECTS 2023; 14:892. [PMID: 37999091 PMCID: PMC10672356 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Ants are one of the largest insect groups, with the most species and individuals in the world, and they have an important ecological function. Ants are not only an important part of the food chains but are also one of the main decomposers on the Earth; they can also improve soil fertility, etc. However, some species of ants are harmful to human beings, which leads to people's panic or worry about coming into contact with these insects during their daily home life or in their tourism or leisure activities. The presence of ants in indoor living facilities and in outdoor green spaces, parks, gardens, and tourist attractions seriously interferes with the leisure life and entertainment activities of all people (especially children). How can we control ants in these environments? Do we kill them by spraying insecticides, or do we adopt green prevention and control technology for the ecological management of ants? This topic is related to healthy life for the public and the protection of the ecological environment. In this paper, the species and diversity of ants are introduced, and research progress regarding ant tropism is introduced according to the three aspects of phototaxis, chromotaxis, and chemotaxis (i.e., "3-tropisms"). The research on repellent substances from plants and insects and the related ant attractants are also summarized, analyzed, and discussed, in order to help the research and application of green prevention and control technology for ant diversity protection and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejie Dong
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.D.); (X.H.); (Q.G.); (S.Y.)
| | - Xinyi Huang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.D.); (X.H.); (Q.G.); (S.Y.)
| | - Qingqing Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.D.); (X.H.); (Q.G.); (S.Y.)
| | - Sihan Li
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Shanglin Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.D.); (X.H.); (Q.G.); (S.Y.)
| | - Fajun Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (H.D.); (X.H.); (Q.G.); (S.Y.)
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Oladipupo SO, Hu XP, Appel AG. Essential Oils in Urban Insect Management-A Review. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:1375-1408. [PMID: 35791493 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The allures of city life have culminated in the rise of urban populations resulting in conditions that promote the establishment of certain insect pests. Globally, the public health significance of these urban insect pests is enormous, ranging from billions of dollars to loss of lives. Most chemical insecticides no longer provide the anticipated level of control, and significant insecticide resistance has been reported. Therefore, there has been a spike in interest for alternatives to conventional insecticides. Among them, natural products from plants such as essential oils (EOs) and essential oil components (EOCs) have enjoyed the most attention owing to widespread reports of efficacy and toxicity even against insecticide-resistant urban insects. Yet, there is no comprehensive synthesis on the extent and impact of the management of urban insects using EOs or EOCs. Such a review is highly relevant since it provides a means to assess the extent of progress made, shortfalls, limitations, and prospects. More so, we hope it can be used to make informed decisions and develop relevant policies reliably. We present the ranges of insecticidal effects of EOs, EOCs, and commercially available EO-based products from laboratory and field studies. Finally, we discuss the gaps in our knowledge and prospects for the sustainable use of EOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S O Oladipupo
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36830, USA
| | - X P Hu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36830, USA
| | - A G Appel
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36830, USA
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Xu H, Dickschat JS. Hedycaryol – Central Intermediates in Sesquiterpene Biosynthesis, Part II. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202200405. [PMID: 35239190 PMCID: PMC9310801 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202200405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The known sesquiterpenes that arise biosynthetically from hedycaryol are summarised. Reasonings for the assignments of their absolute configurations are discussed. The analysis provided here suggests that reprotonations at the C1=C10 double bond of hedycaryol are directed toward C1 and generally lead to 6–6 bicyclic compounds, while reprotonations at the C4=C5 double bond occur at C4 and result in 5–7 bicyclic compounds. Read more in the Review by H. Xu and J. S. Dickschat (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202200405).
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Affiliation(s)
- Houchao Xu
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Bonn Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1 53121 Bonn Germany
| | - Jeroen S. Dickschat
- Kekulé-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Bonn Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1 53121 Bonn Germany
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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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Ferreira-Filho PJ, Wilcken CF, Neves DA, Pogetto MHFAD, Carmo JB, Guerreiro JC, Serrão JE, Zanuncio JC. Does Diatomaceous Earth Control Leaf-Cutter Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Eucalyptus Plantations? JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 108:1124-1128. [PMID: 26470237 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tov066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Genus Atta includes some of the most important Formicidae leaf cutter ants which cause extensive damage to the eucalyptus plantations. Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, one of the chief pests in Brazilian reforestation, can restrict and reduce forest productivity by its intense and constant leaf-cutting activities on plants at all stages. Therefore, the demand for new products to control A. sexdens rubropilosa indicates the study of the utilization of the dry powder formulation of diatomaceous earth (DE) against this pest in the eucalyptus cultivars. The study was conducted using 120 colonies of A. sexdens rubropilosa in Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex. Maiden x Eucalyptus urophylla Blake (Myrtaceae) (urograndis) stand. The randomized block experimental design was used with six treatments (1, 10, 25, and 50 g/m2 of DE, 6.0 g/m2 sulfluramid bait per square meter of loose soil, and the control) with five replications, each with four colonies of this ant. Diatomaceous earth was applied to the active A. sexdens rubropilosa ant holes, and the sulfluramid bait was applied in bulk in a localized manner. The control efficacy of A. sexdens rubropilosa with DE was low, showing values similar to that of the control, and, for this reason, it cannot be used to control this ant. The bait with sulfluramid showed higher efficacy than those of the other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J Ferreira-Filho
- Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, Km 110-SP 264, Itinga, 18052-780, Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Brasil.
| | - Carlos F Wilcken
- Departamento de Produção Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, 18610-307, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brasil
| | - Daniela A Neves
- Veracel Celulose S.A., Caixa Postal 23, 45820-970, Eunápolis, Bahia State, Brazil
| | - Mario H F A D Pogetto
- Departamento de Produção Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, 18610-307, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brasil
| | - Janaina B Carmo
- Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, Km 110-SP 264, Itinga, 18052-780, Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Brasil
| | - Julio C Guerreiro
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, 87506-370, Umuarama, Paraná State, Brasil
| | - José E Serrão
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000, Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brasil
| | - José C Zanuncio
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000, Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brasil
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Della Lucia TMC, Gandra LC, Guedes RNC. Managing leaf-cutting ants: peculiarities, trends and challenges. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2014; 70:14-23. [PMID: 24115496 DOI: 10.1002/ps.3660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants are generally recognized as important pest species in Neotropical America. They are eusocial insects that exhibit social organization, foraging, fungus-cultivation, hygiene and a complex nest structure, which render their management notoriously difficult. A lack of economic thresholds and sampling plans focused on the main pest species preclude the management of leaf-cutting ants; such management would facilitate their control and lessen insecticide overuse, particularly the use of insecticidal baits. Recent restrictions on the use of synthetic compounds for such purposes impose additional challenges for the management of leaf-cutting ants. Considerable effort has been exerted regarding these challenges, which are addressed herein, but which also remain challenges that are yet to be conquered.
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Marinho CGS, Della Lucia TMC, Ribeiro MMR, Magalhães STV, Guedes RNC, Jham GN. Interference of beta-eudesmol in nestmate recognition in Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2008; 98:467-473. [PMID: 18439338 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485308005786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Leaf-cutter ant species (Atta spp.) are key pests of cultivated crops in the Neotropics, and recent studies have demonstrated that workers of Atta spp., particularly of Atta sexdens rubropilosa, exhibit aggressive behavior among nestmates when in contact with the sesquiterpene beta-eudesmol, found in leaves of Eucalyptus maculata. However, the underlying mechanism sparking this behavior pattern has yet to be investigated. This work aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which this substance elicits aggression in workers of A. sexdens rubropilosa. The results, thus obtained, showed that beta-eudesmol is able to modify the chemical composition of the workers cuticle, impairing nestmate recognition, triggering alarm behavior and leading to nestmate aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G S Marinho
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Isolation and functional characterization of a β-eudesmol synthase, a new sesquiterpene synthase fromZingiber zerumbetSmith. FEBS Lett 2008; 582:565-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Revised: 01/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Zhao J, Liu J, Zhang X, Liu Z, Tsering T, Zhong Y, Nan P. Chemical composition of the volatiles of three wildBergenia species from western China. FLAVOUR FRAG J 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/ffj.1689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Braulio M Fraga
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, CSIC, Avda. Astrof. F. Sánchez 3, 38206, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
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