2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this cooperative research project is to evaluate the impact of imported fire ants on different life stages of major pests and beneficial insects of sweet potato and integrate fire ant management into current pest control practices in sweet potato production system. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Following are outlines of approaches we will take: 1. A laboratory study will be conducted to determine the predation activity of imported fire ants on sweet potato insects. 2. A field study will be conducted to determine the effect of imported fire ant infestations on pest management practices in the sweet potato fields. 3.Progress Report Spatial distribution and abundance of foraging imported fire ants in a 1.35 ha sweet potato field in the Mississippi Delta has been examined. Analysis of surface chemicals on carpet weed seeds, which were preferentially collected by fire ants in sweet potato field, is still in progress. Monitoring of this project continues through frequent telephone and email communications.