An organic bait based on Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) and Tephrosia candida (Fabaceae) does not control nests of Atta laevigata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in eucalyptus plantations

Abstract

AbstractLeaf‐cutting ants of the genus Atta (Myrmicinae: Attini) are the main forest pests in Brazil, due to their economic damage, social complexity and geographical distribution. Chemical control with baits is the most viable and successful method to control these insects; and products with low environmental impact have been researched. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mortality of Atta laevigata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests treated with Bioisca® bait, in different dosages, in eucalyptus plantations compared with those treated with sulfluramid and fipronil baits. Seven treatments were used: Bioisca® (Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) + Tephrosia candida (Fabaceae)), with 5, 10, 15 and 20 g; Blitz® (fipronil), Atta Mex‐S® (sulfluramid) baits with 6 g/m2 of ant nest loose soil and the control, without ant baits. It took 7 days for the first colony to have its activity stopped using the Blitz® treatment. It happened only at 30 days when treated with Bioisca® and Atta‐Mex‐S® . The mortality of nests treated with Bioisca® was very low with only one controlled out of 20 that received this bait. Bioisca® does not control the nests of A. laevigata in eucalyptus plantations.