The effect of fumigation with microencapsulated allyl isothiocyanate in a gas-barrier bag against Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

Red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), which are among the most harmful alien ants, were first detected in Japan in a shipping container from China in May 2017, and continue to enter Japan via this trade pathway. Fumigation is one of the most effective ways to eliminate S. invicta from goods transported in containers. The present study is the first to evaluate the effect of fumigation with allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) against S. invicta. Fumigation using microencapsulated AITC pellets in a gas-barrier bag for 24 h completely killed S. invicta. Furthermore, our fumigation system was able to maintain a high concentration of AITC vapor for at least 13 days. AITC, a naturally occurring compound in wasabi [Eutrema japonicum (Miq.) Koidz], has been demonstrated to be safe for humans and the environment, but its use as a fumigant is limited by its strong volatility and pungency. However, its encapsulation solves this problem by allowing controlled vapor release. Thus, the use of microencapsulated AITC in combination with a gas-barrier bag has considerable potential to provide an effective and easy-to-use protocol for fumigation of S. invicta.

Residuos de repollo para biocontrol de Fusarium spp. en el cultivo de tomate

“…El tratamiento con extracto acuoso de repollo fue el menos eficiente, atribuido posiblemente a la volatilización de los tiocianatos e isotiocianatos (Wu et al, 2015;Hashimoto et al, 2020), por lo que la planta se vio afectada mas severamente por la enfermedad y consecuentemente se redujo su productividad (Rodríguez-Araujo et al, 2010).…”

Naturally Occurring Compounds/Materials as Alternatives to Synthetic Chemical Insecticides for Use in Fire Ant Management

“…Allyl isothiocyanate, a naturally occurring compound, is a potent fumigant against fire ants [61]. Fumigation using microencapsulated allyl isothiocyanate pellets in a gas-barrier bag was tested in Japan [105]. Fire ants were completely killed within 24 h. Allyl isothiocyanate, a compound found in wasabi, Eutrema japonicum (Miq.)…”

“…Koidz, is safe for humans and the environment; however, its use as fumigant has been limited by its high volatility and strong pungency. Encapsulation seems a solution to this problem [105].…”

Acute toxicity of fipronil to an invasive ant, <i>Lepisiota frauenfeldi</i>

“…5,6) For example, Linepithema humile Mayr, 1868 (Argentine ant), Solenopsis invicta Buren, 1972 (red imported fire ant), and Wasmannia auropunctata Roger, 1863 (little fire ant) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are considered the world's most damaging invasive species 7) ; thus, their eradication/control is proactively conducted in introduced areas. [8][9][10] Chemical toxicity measures constitute the best tested meth-ods for exterminating nuisance associated with pests, including ants, [11][12][13] even though they cause harm to non-target organisms. 14,15) Further, during the initial stage of invasion, when the distribution ranges of invasive species are narrow, such measures can lead to achievement of rapid eradication at a relatively low cost.…”