Isocycloseram: A new active ingredient for leaf-cutting ants control

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Pest Management
• Insecticide Development

Background:

• Leaf-cutting ants pose significant threats to Neotropical cropping systems.
• Current control methods often rely on hazardous active ingredients.
• There is a need for safer, effective alternatives like isocycloseram.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of isocycloseram granulated baits against leaf-cutting ants.
• To determine optimal concentrations and dosages for effective pest control.
• To assess the toxicological profile and safety of isocycloseram for mammals.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory trials assessed mortality rates of Atta sexdens workers and colonies exposed to varying isocycloseram concentrations.
• Field trials evaluated bait loading, devolution, foraging activity, and colony mortality for A. sexdens, A. laevigata, and Acromyrmex lundii.
• Toxicological classification based on ant mortality within 24 hours and 21 days.

Main Results:

• Isocycloseram demonstrated fast-acting (high mortality in 24h) and highly effective (over 90% mortality in 21 days) properties in laboratory settings.
• Baits with low isocycloseram concentrations (0.001-0.03%) were readily accepted by ants with minimal devolution.
• Field application of 0.2% and 0.3% isocycloseram baits at specific dosages proved highly efficient in controlling multiple leaf-cutting ant species.

Conclusions:

• Isocycloseram is a potent insecticide for managing leaf-cutting ant populations.
• The study establishes isocycloseram as a promising, toxicologically safer alternative for pest control.
• This research supports the development of novel, environmentally friendlier ant baits.