Project Number: 6615-32000-044-19
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 01, 2012
End Date: Jul 31, 2015

Objective:
Study the feasibility of the biological control of the Imported Fire Ants, Solenopsis invicta and S. richteri (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in the USA.

Approach:
Potential fire ant biocontrol agents will be identified through exploration in Argentina. Living colonies of fire ants and their parasites, predators, and pathogens will be shipped to the quarantine facilities at Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research Unit to be used in studies on the biology, specificity, and efficacy of the biocontrol agents. In addition, any other information needed to obtain permission to release the target biocontrol agent(s) will be obtained.