Functional significance of the leaf-cutting ant Atta cephalotes (Formicidae) in coffee plantations: An enemy or an ally?

García-Cárdenas, Delly Rocío; Armbrecht, Inge; Torres, Walter; Baena, Martha L.; Montoya-Lerma, James

doi:10.1016/j.pedobi.2022.150825

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 54 publications

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“…Despite being ecologically important in natural environments, where leaf-cutting ants improve soil penetrability, nutrient cycling, and seed dispersal [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], these insects are a major concern in agricultural and forestry systems. The genus Acromyrmex includes 35 species; however, only 6 species are important as pests, i.e., A. balzani , A. octospinosus , A. rugosus , A. subterraneus brunneus , A. subterraneus molestans , and A. subterraneus subterraneus [ 18 , 19 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Production of Escovopsis weberi (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Mycelial Pellets and Their Effects on Leaf-Cutting Ant Fungal Gardens

et al. 2023

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The maintenance of the symbiosis between leaf-cutting ants and their mutualistic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus Singer (Moller) is vital for the survival of both species. The specialist fungal parasite Escovopsis weberi Muchovej & Della Lucia is a threat to this symbiosis, causing severe damage to the fungal garden. Mycelial pellets are resistant fungal structures that can be produced under laboratory conditions. These structures were studied for use in biological pest control, but the production of mycelial pellets has not previously been documented in Escovopsis. One of the aims of this study was to induce Escovopsis weberi to produce mycelial pellets and investigate the potential of these pellets for the control of leaf-cutting ants. We compared the pathogenicity of Escovopsis weberi mycelial pellets and conidia against mini-colonies of Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus Forel when applied in the form of baits. Worker ants were able to distinguish mycelial pellets from conidia, as baits with mycelial pellets were more attractive to workers than those with conidia, causing a greater negative impact on colony health. All types of baits containing Escovopsis weberi influenced the foraging activity but only treatments with viable fungal propagules resulted in an increase in the quantity of waste material, with a significant negative impact on the fungal garden biomass. The results provided novel information regarding Escovopsis recognition by worker ants and differences between conidia and mycelial pellet dynamics in leaf-cutting ant colonies, with new perspectives for the biological control of these important pests.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Production of Escovopsis weberi (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Mycelial Pellets and Their Effects on Leaf-Cutting Ant Fungal Gardens

et al. 2023

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The role of ant-mediated biological interactions in agroecosystems

Sankovitz,

Rivera,

Manjarress

et al. 2024

Annals of the Entomological Society of America

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Ants are common in agroecosystems, where they can significantly impact agricultural production and yield through interactions with other organisms. By regulating crop-damaging insects and occasionally pollinating flowers, ants provide ecosystem services. However, ants can harm crops through herbivory, tending hemipterans, eating beneficial arthropods, or vectoring disease. In this review, we provide an overview of the roles played by ants in agroecosystems through their interactions with other species. We categorize ant species interactions as beneficial or harmful, direct or indirect, and address the importance of context-dependency. In addition to reviewing the role of ant-mediated biological interactions in agroecosystems, we discuss management implications that should be considered when supporting or suppressing ants. This article provides new insights and suggests promising directions for utilizing ants to implement more sustainable agricultural practices in agroecosystems across the globe. We propose that ants play critical roles in agroecosystems through their interactions with other organisms and should be considered when making management decisions.

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Functional significance of the leaf-cutting ant Atta cephalotes (Formicidae) in coffee plantations: An enemy or an ally?

Cited by 2 publications

References 54 publications

Production of Escovopsis weberi (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Mycelial Pellets and Their Effects on Leaf-Cutting Ant Fungal Gardens

Production of Escovopsis weberi (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Mycelial Pellets and Their Effects on Leaf-Cutting Ant Fungal Gardens

The role of ant-mediated biological interactions in agroecosystems

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