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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Biological Control of Pests Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #143201
Title: SEED PREFERENCES OF THE RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) IN OKLAHOMA

Author
item Vogt, James
item RICE, STANLEY - SE OKLAHOMA STATE UNIV.
item ARMSTRONG, STEVEN - US ARMY CORP OF ENG.,OK

Submitted to: Journal of Entomological Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/25/2003
Publication Date: 10/20/2003
Citation: VOGT, J.T., RICE, S.A., ARMSTRONG, S.A. Seed preferences of the red imported fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) IN OKLAHOMA. JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE. 38: 696-698. 2003.

Interpretive Summary: An experiment was conducted to determine whether imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) were attracted to the seeds of eight native plant species commonly used for roadside beautification. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is not only planted on roadsides, it is also prized as a dietary supplement and has been overharvested in some areas where it occurs naturally. One objective of this study was to examine the possible impact of fire ants on commercial echinacea production. Foraging fire ants removed 100% of purple coneflower seeds from test containers in all cases. To a lesser degree they also removed or consumed the seeds of lemon beebalm, black-eyed susan, and Indian blanket. The results of this study have implications for state agencies that use native plants for roadside beautification, and will help commercial echinacea producers make informed management decisions regarding imported fire ants.

Technical Abstract: Seeds of eight forbs native to southern Oklahoma were presented to foraging Solenopsis invicta in choice tests in the field. Dry seeds were not attractive to the ants under our experimental conditions, so seeds were allowed to imbibe water for 48 h prior to the experiment. S. invicta removed 100% of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) seeds and showed a secondary preference for lemon beebalm (Monarda citriodora) (25%), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta) (16%), and Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) (14%). Implications for roadside reclamation activities and commercial production of Echinacea are discussed.