Transport rate of capsules to leaf-cutting ants Atta sexdens

Abstract

The search for new management alternatives in pest control is a constant in agriculture. In the case of leaf-cutting ants, the most widespread control is that which makes use of granulated bait with synthetic chemical active ingredient, whose attractiveness comes from the citrus pulp that composes it. Using the same attraction, a capsule was created, inspired by seeds transported by forage workers. Bipartite gelatin capsules were adapted and filled with salt (NaCl), for a total of 20 capsules for each mini colony in three groups of five colonies that received each one capsules with one of three different masses (0.5g, 1g, or 2g). In addition to weight, were also compared citrus pulp and the pheromone from the venom gland extract (VGE) of forage workers were compared in the relation to transport rate too. After statistical analyses, concluded that the highest transport rate was for the capsules, which was empty (internal), only with the attractive citrus pulp on the external surface (0.5g).