Fire Ant Venom Alkaloids: Possible Control Measure for Soilborne and Foliar Plant Pathogens

Dawadi, Sujan; Baysal-Gurel, Fulya; Addesso, Karla M.; Liyanapathiranage, Prabha; Simmons, Terri

doi:10.3390/pathogens10060659

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…However, the diversity and abundance of soil bacteria showed a significant decrease ( Figure 2 a,b,d), which may be related to the nesting activity of RIFAs. There is evidence that venom alkaloids secreted by red fire ants have antibacterial and antimicrobial effects [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. Since RIFAs secrete venom alkaloids on the interior surfaces of their nests to disinfect their habitat and larval surfaces [ 8 ], the amount of venom alkaloids secreted can affect the amount of bacteria in the soil to some extent.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Red Imported Fire Ant Nest-Building on Soil Properties and Bacterial Communities in Different Habitats

Shi

Liu

2023

Animals

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The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) is a highly adaptable invasive species that can nest and reproduce in different habitat soils. We aimed to explore the adaptability of red imported fire ants in different habitats by analyzing changes in the physicochemical properties of nest soils and bacterial communities. Five habitat types (forest, tea plantation, rice field, lawn, and brassica field) were selected. The results showed that the pH of the nest soils increased significantly in all five habitats compared to the control soils of the same habitat. A significant increase in nitrogen content was detected in the nests. The Cr, Pb, Cu, and Ni levels were significantly reduced in the soils of the five habitats, due to nesting activities. Analysis of the composition and diversity of the soil microbial community showed that, although the richness and diversity of bacteria in the nest soils of red imported fire ants in the five habitats varied, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria significantly increased and it emerged as the dominant bacterial group. These results indicate that red imported fire ants modify the physicochemical properties of nest soils and bacterial communities to create a suitable habitat for survival and reproduction.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Red Imported Fire Ant Nest-Building on Soil Properties and Bacterial Communities in Different Habitats

Shi

Liu

2023

Animals

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“…The venom alkaloid extract of hybrid fire ants ( S. richteri × S. invicta ) prevents the growth of plant fungal pathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea , Fusarium oxysporum , Phytophthora nicotianae , P. cryptogea , Phytopythium citrinum , Rhizoctonia solani , and Sclerotonia rolfsii [ 81 ]. Fire ant venom alkaloids incorporated in both solid and liquid cultures inhibit the conidial germination of Beauveria bassiana isolates, AF-4 and 447, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus .…”

Section: Biological Activities Of Piperidine Alkaloids From Fire Ant ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Biological Activities and Ecological Significance of Fire Ant Venom Alkaloids

Chen

2023

Toxins

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Venoms produced by arthropods act as chemical weapons to paralyze prey or deter competitors. The utilization of venom is an essential feature in the biology and ecology of venomous arthropods. Solenopsis fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are medically important venomous ants. They have acquired different patterns of venom use to maximize their competitive advantages rendered by the venom when facing different challenges. The major components of fire ant venom are piperidine alkaloids, which have strong insecticidal and antibiotic activities. The alkaloids protect fire ants from pathogens over the course of their lives and can be used to defend them from predators and competitors. They are also utilized by some of the fire ants’ natural enemies, such as phorid flies to locate host ants. Collectively, these ants’ diverse alkaloid compositions and functions have ecological significance for their survival, successful invasion, and rapid range expansion. The venom alkaloids with powerful biological activities may have played an important role in shaping the assembly of communities in both native and introduced ranges.

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“…To combat infectious diseases, ants commonly use gland secretions as external disinfectants [ 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 ]. The antimicrobial properties of fire ant venom alkaloids and their analogs have been extensively studied [ 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 ], including their activities against bacteria, fungi, microsporidia, and entomopathogenic pathogens. Recent research has provided evidence suggesting that fire ant venom may also function as an internal antibiotic [ 28 ].…”

Section: Venom Functionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemistry and Functions of Imported Fire Ant Venom

Chen

2023

Toxins

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In the United States, imported fire ants are often referred to as red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, black imported fire ants, S. richteri Forel, and their hybrid (S. invicta × S. richteri). Due to their aggressive stings and toxic venom, imported fire ants pose a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and ecosystem health. However, venom plays a vital role in the survival of fire ants by serving various crucial functions in defense, foraging, and colony health maintenance. Numerous reviews and book chapters have been published on fire ant venom. Due to its medical importance and the expanding global distribution of these ants, fire ant venom research remains an active and highly productive area, leading to the discovery of new components and functions. This review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of fire ant venom chemistry and its functions within fire ant colonies.

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Fire Ant Venom Alkaloids: Possible Control Measure for Soilborne and Foliar Plant Pathogens

Cited by 7 publications

References 42 publications

Impact of Red Imported Fire Ant Nest-Building on Soil Properties and Bacterial Communities in Different Habitats

Impact of Red Imported Fire Ant Nest-Building on Soil Properties and Bacterial Communities in Different Habitats

Biological Activities and Ecological Significance of Fire Ant Venom Alkaloids

Chemistry and Functions of Imported Fire Ant Venom

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