Role of Red-Ant, Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius (Formicidae: Hymenoptera) in Managing Tea Mosquito Bug, Helopeltis species (Miridae: Hemiptera) in Cashew
2016
Mahapatro, G. K. | Mathew, Jose
Adequate studies are available on the role of ants in insect pest management in general, but for a few particularly in cashew. This investigation examines the role of weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina in managing tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis spp.)—the numero uno cashew pest. The trial objective was to explore the feasibility of ants as bio-control agent in cashew. Critical monitoring of ant nest dynamics, bug-damage profile and resultant yield in the naturally ant-nests harbored trees (11–13 year old) was carried out in the cashew orchard. Trees with ant-nests, recorded significantly lower insect-damage. Nest-number fluctuation was discussed in details in terms of leaf-pavilion (single-leaf nest), green (active), dry (abandoned) nests over time (3 years). Amongst, mutualist trophobionts, scales were invariably present without any placebo effect. Based on this investigation, no spraying on cashew trees harbouring ant-nests is recommended. Positive role of red ants in reducing the Helopeltis damage clearly demonstrates its potential and promising utility in pest management intervention.
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