Author
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Pereira, Roberto |
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Submitted to: Imported Fire Ants Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2002 Publication Date: 8/20/2002 Citation: Pereira, R.M. 2002. Areawide suppression of fire ant populations in pastures: project overview. Imported Fire Ants Conference Proceedings. p. 27-28. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: In 2001, the USDA funded a 5-year project on areawide control of fire ants with an overall goal of maintaining low fire ant populations using available self-sustaining fire ant biological control agents and a reduced need for bait toxicants. Collaborators from Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas have approved project protocol calling for 2 sites per state, one with biological control agents and one without biocontrols. Biological controls include the microsporidium Thelohania solenopsae and the parasitic decapitating flies of the genus Pseudacteon. The chemical products containing hydramethylnon and methoprene will be used. Fifty 1/8-acre circular plots will be established and used in monitoring fire ant activity and populations, biodiversity, and presence of biocontrol organisms. An economic assessment will examine the economic visibility and cost/benefit impact of the proposed project. An educational component involves the preparation of informational material explaining the project and its components, including a webpage (http://fireant.ifas.ufl.edu). Expected outcome includes: a) release and spread of biological controls, b) sustained fire ant control, c) lower livestock production costs, d) increased farmworker safety, e) reduced pesticide risk, f) restored ecological balance among native ants, birds, and wildlife, g) demonstration of economic benefits of fire ant management in large areas, and h) increased public knowledge and awareness of new technologies and management tools for fire ant control. |
