Effects of using fipronil to control Solenopsis invicta Buren on antcolony diversity in a greenbelt
Author of the article:LIU Jie1, 2** QI Guo-Jun2*** Lü Li-Hua2 HE Yu-Rong3
Author's Workplace：1. Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510055, China; 2. Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection/ Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; 3. College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Chin
Key Words：Solenopsis invicta Buren, chemical control, ant colony, diversity
Abstract： [Objectives] To provide a scientific basis for improving control of Solenopsis invicta and protection of local ants, the effects of three kinds of methods for controlling S. invicta; baiting individual mounds, broadcasting baits, and drenching, on ant colony diversity in a greenbelt were investigated. [Methods] Ant colony structure was investigated by the pitfall trap method in green spaces in Nansha District, Guangzhou City, and the diversity index of the ant community following application of the three kinds of control methods analyzed and compared. [Results] (1) A total of 44 361 ants belonging to 8 subfamilies and 33 species were collected in the four treatment sites. (2) There was little change in the ant species diversity of the different treatment sites before and after control, but there were obvious differences in ant abundance before and after control. (3) There were no significant differences in the diversity of different treatment sites before control was applied, but the diversity of the drenching site significantly increased. [Conclusion] Chemical control can change ant colony structure. Because drenching can both significantly reduce the number of ants and increase ant colony diversity, it is the most suitable treatment for the control of S. invicta in greenbelts.