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Characterizing the interaction between fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and developing soybean plants
R G Shatters1, R K Vander Meer
1US Horticultural Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, FL, USA.
Journal of Economic Entomology
|January 6, 2001
Summary
Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) damage soybean plants from seed to maturity. Their subterranean activities reduce root development and nodule formation, significantly limiting crop yield.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Entomology
- Plant Biology
Background:
- Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are invasive pests impacting agriculture.
- Understanding their interaction with crops like soybeans is crucial for effective pest management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the interaction between fire ants and developing soybean plants.
- To assess the impact of fire ants on soybean growth, development, and yield.
Main Methods:
- Phagostimulant studies to observe ant foraging behavior.
- Analysis of carbohydrate content in soybean tissues.
- Controlled experiments comparing soybean growth with and without fire ant association.
Main Results:
- Fire ant foraging on soybean seeds increased after water imbibition.
- Seedling vigor was reduced, with longer emergence times and increased malformations.
- Mature plants associated with fire ants showed reduced root dry matter, total dry matter, and nodule formation, despite increased assimilate allocation to pods.
Conclusions:
- Fire ant damage to soybeans extends beyond seedling establishment, affecting subterranean parts.
- Reduced root development and nodule formation are key factors limiting soybean yield in the presence of fire ants.
- Further research into the subterranean activities of fire ants is warranted.