Abstract
As a severe invasive pest, red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) had important effects on ecosystem of its infected areas. Here, we surveyed impact of S. invicta on populations of two banana insect pests, banana skipper (Erion tatorus Evans) and banana stephanitis (Stephanitis typical Distant). The results showed that influences of S. invicta on population of E. tatorus and S. typical depend on weed coverage degree of banana plantations. Comparing to the areas without S. invicta, banana skipper population was reduced by 39.2%, 41.4% and 23.4% respectively, in high, moderate and low weed coverage of banana plantations with S. invicta invasion. Banana stephanitis population was reduced by 17.8%, 43.0% and 39.2% respectively, in high, moderate and low weed coverage of banana plantations with S. invicta invasion.
Highlights
As a famous invasive pest, red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta preyed on many different kinds of invertebrates at different developmental stages including egg, larvae, pupae and adults (Stiles & Jones, 2001), and caused a sharply decline on populations and diversity of invertebrates and some epigeous vertebrates in its introduced areas (Cook, 2003; Morrison, 2002; Wojcik et al, 2001)
Our study provides evidence that S. invicta can be an important biological control agent in banana plantation. 19.2% - 41.4% of E. torus population and 17.8%-43.0% of S. typical population decreased when S. invicta appeared in three types of weed coverage banana plantations
It showed the efficacy of S. invicta as biological control agent on E. torus was greater in the more complex habitat, it consistent with Harvey and Eubanks (2004)’s study
Summary
As a famous invasive pest, red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta preyed on many different kinds of invertebrates at different developmental stages including egg, larvae, pupae and adults (Stiles & Jones, 2001), and caused a sharply decline on populations and diversity of invertebrates and some epigeous vertebrates in its introduced areas (Cook, 2003; Morrison, 2002; Wojcik et al, 2001). S. invicta is an active and efficient predator of pests. Vogt et al (2001) showed that S. invicta preyed on about seven times more pest arthropods than beneficial arthropods in peanut field. In Florida, S. invicta preyed on eggs and larvae of soybean armyworm (Anticarsia gemmatalis). S. invicta reduced population of diamondback moth and leaf beetles in collards (Harvey & Eubanks, 2004).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
