Location: Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research
Project Number: 6036-32000-051-011-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2019
End Date: Dec 30, 2020
Objective:
To support the Federal Imported Fire Ant Quarantine (7CFR 301.81) through the development of IFA quarantine treatments primarily for field grown, balled-and-burlapped (B&B) and containerized nursery stock.
Approach:
Refine and/or develop infield Ball & Burlap fire ant quarantine treatment methods initially developed by APHIS-PPQ. Specific insecticide products and rates will be based on previous studies. APHIS approved testing protocols will provide guidance on obtaining acceptable data packages for the evaluation of quarantine treatments. Specific approaches, subject to modification if required, include, but not limited to: 1) laboratory bioassays with fire ant reproductives on treated soil or potting media proved by TN cooperator; 2) compare the efficacy fire ant quarantine treatment between IFA and other invasive ant species using treated soils from TN cooperator; 3) Evaluate fire ant behavioral responses to various non-repellent, drench/injection treatments of ball and burlap nursery stock; 4) Evaluate fire ant foraging to various baits and application methods of ball and burlap nursery stock; and 4) Investigate novel fire ant control, application, and management techniques that may have application to the IFA Quarantine, for example water resistant fire ant baits.
