The potential of protein- and sugar-based baits to enhance predatory ant activity and reduce termite damage to maize in Uganda

Sekamatte, B.; Latigo, M W Ogenga; Russell‐Smith, A.

doi:10.1016/s0261-2194(01)00031-x

Cited by 14 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Ecosystem services (e.g., pest suppression) are of particular importance in developing countries, as opportunities to employ external inputs (e.g., irrigation, artificial fertilizers, and pesticides) are often limited (Mertz et al, 2007). Traditional pest management practices in Africa include natural enemy attractants (e.g., molasses; Sekamatte et al, 2001), adjusting planting, and harvesting times (Abate et al, 2000), and intercropping (Tingey & Lamont, 1988). Moreover, subsistence farmers' diversified and small plots, interspersed with non-cultivated areas, can harbour many natural enemies of crop pests (Landis et al, 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predation pressure in Ugandan cotton fields measured by a sentinel prey method

Howe

Nachman

Löveï

2015

Entomologia Exp Applicata

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Pest suppression by natural enemies is an important ecosystem service, which is a valuable resource to poor smallholders in developing countries. Diverse natural enemy assemblages of arthropod predators and parasitoids are documented in various regions in Africa, but our knowledge of their impact on herbivores in agroecosystems remains limited. We conducted experiments in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae), under typical local agronomic practices in Uganda to assess levels of predation pressure ascribed to natural enemies. We measured predation rates on artificial caterpillars made of plasticine glued to cotton plants. Predation pressure on cotton fields varied between 1.96 and 4.1% per day, but was not significantly influenced by cotton treatments (insecticide/no insecticide, monocropping/intercropping with Phaseolus spp.). Predation pressure in non‐crop habitats adjacent to cotton fields was up to 12× higher than in the fields. Marks left on the artificial caterpillars revealed that arthropods and birds were largely accountable for predation in cotton fields, whereas arthropods and small mammals were dominant in non‐cultivated habitats.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predation pressure in Ugandan cotton fields measured by a sentinel prey method

Howe

Nachman

Löveï

2015

Entomologia Exp Applicata

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“…In particular, the effectiveness of arthropod predators in termite control in maize agroecosystems has only been speculated at until recently (Cowie and Wood, 1989). Sekamatte et al (2001b) achieved over 70% reduction in Macrotermitinae damage to maize with the application of 500 g of powdered fish bones in 15 x 15 m plots on station and in farmers' fields. 1) strongly suggest that crushed fish bones are highly effective in attracting ants and increasing their nesting in maize plants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…The application rates of 0.5 and 1.0 kg / plot translate *o 40 and 80 kg/ ha and were chosen based on estimates reported in earlier studies (Sekamatte et al, 2001b). The application rates of 0.5 and 1.0 kg / plot translate *o 40 and 80 kg/ ha and were chosen based on estimates reported in earlier studies (Sekamatte et al, 2001b).…”

Section: Treatmentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous work in Uganda has demonstrated the potential of using crushed bones of Nile perch to attract large populations of indigenous predatory ants into maize fields and reduce termite damage to plants (Sekamatte et al, 2001b). These studies, however, did not address the relationship between amount of fish bonemeal applied and ant activity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effect of Placement Method and Rate of Application of Crushed Fish Bones on the Activity of Predatory Ants and Impact on Termite Damage to Maize

Sekamatte¹,

Kyamanywa

Willson

et al. 2002

Int. J. Trop. Insect Sci.

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Field experiments were conducted to investigate the attractiveness of fish bones to predatory ants in a maize agroecosystem. The fish bones were applied crushed in shallow furrows together with dry maize stalks, or broadcast on the soil surface at 3 application rates: 0, 40 and 80 kg/ha; subsequent reduction in termite attack on maize plants was then assessed. Burying the fish bone powder caused higher ant nesting (10-78 %) than surface broadcasting (12-39 %). Attractiveness of the fish bones and the predatory efficiency of the ants against termites in maize was also highest with a dose of 80 kg/ha (1.0 kg/plot) causing higher nesting of ants (>90 %) and 54 % lower termite damage to maize plants compared to control plots. Dose responses indicated significant relationships between amount of fish bone powder applied and termite activity and also between termite damage and maize yield. The mechanism by which the ants are able to protect maize against termite damage may be twofold: direct kill as a result of their predatory action and termite avoidance of maize plants with ant nests. Further studies are required to assess the potential benefits of an integrated use of this technique with other non-chemical options for termite control in maize, such as intercropping.

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“…Cependant, certains travaux effectués en Ouganda par Sekamatte et al (2001a) ont montré que le paillage du maïs peut significativement réduire les attaques par Macrotermes et Pseudacanthotermes dans les champs de maïs. Par ailleurs, le développement de nid de fourmis prédatrices autour d'un champ de maïs a permis d'obtenir une réduction des peuplements de termites ravageurs et une augmentation significative des rendements de récolte (Sekamatte et al, 2001b). Maniania et al (2002) ont montré que le champignon entomopathogène Metarhizium anisopliae était capable de réduire la population des termites dans la culture de maïs et augmenter ainsi le rendement.…”

Section: Discussionunclassified

Diversité des termites (Isoptera) au Sénégal et leurs dégâts sur les cultures et périmètres reboisés

Sarr

Maniania

Russell‐Smith

et al. 2005

Int. J. Trop. Insect Sci.

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Studies conducted from 1969 to 2000 on termite ecology and biology in Senegal revealed high termite diversity and an influence of climate and soil conditions on termite group distribution. Sixty-four termite species were recorded. Some were specific to ecologically similar zones while others were widely distributed. Some species, known to inhabit wet zones, were found in semi-arid zones where relic forest vegetation still exists. Nioro, in the central part of the country, seems to be the buffer zone between species to the north and south of Senegal. In Ferlo, an arid zone, Macrotermes species was in regression and the subsisting colonies tended to establish in lowlands with a long humidity period and high vegetation density. The study also focused on termite damage in different agroecosystems. Odontotermes, Microtermes and Psammotermes spp. were the main pests on annual crops and vegetables. Microtermes, Amitermes and Microcerotermes spp. were found attacking young trees, thus affecting reforestation programmes in Senegal.

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The potential of protein- and sugar-based baits to enhance predatory ant activity and reduce termite damage to maize in Uganda

Cited by 14 publications

References 22 publications

Predation pressure in Ugandan cotton fields measured by a sentinel prey method

Predation pressure in Ugandan cotton fields measured by a sentinel prey method

Effect of Placement Method and Rate of Application of Crushed Fish Bones on the Activity of Predatory Ants and Impact on Termite Damage to Maize

Diversité des termites (Isoptera) au Sénégal et leurs dégâts sur les cultures et périmètres reboisés

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