Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? The overall goal of this project is sustainable management of the imported fire ant on agricultural, industrial, wildlife, urban and recreational areas through development of new surveillance and control technologies. Proactive regional programs will be implemented to suppress imported fire ant populations and to end the spread of infestations. In the framework of these programs we will (1) develop remote sensing technology for detecting and quantifying imported fire ant mounds, (2) identify and evaluate candidate biological control agents for efficacy against imported fire ants, (3) improve fire ant bait acceptance, weather resistance, specificity and storage stability, and (4) develop improved production, storage, and delivery techniques for biological control agents. Imported fire ants damage
mowing and harvesting equipment, interfere with recreational activities, damage electrical equipment, alter native arthropod communities, occasionally kill livestock, and sting humans, sometimes causing death in sensitive individuals. Efforts to halt the spread of the ants relying solely on chemical control have been unsuccessful. Currently, the geographic range of imported fire ants covers over 300 million acres in fifteen states and Puerto Rico. The range of imported fire ants in the United States is expected to increase unless we develop proactive, integrated regional management programs. Fulfilling the objectives of this project will benefit producers of commodities that are subject to Federal quarantine regulations, other farmers, scientists, and the public. This program, which combines regional programs and integrated pest management to develop novel strategies for the control of imported fire ants, falls primarily within Component 4 (Control Technology) of NP 104, with
some aspects that fall within Components 2 (Detection and Surveillance Technology) and 3 (Biology and Physiology). The project includes elements of 2.1 (Detection and Diagnostics), 3.2 (Physiology, Anatomy, and Biochemistry), 4.1 (Chemical Pesticides and Repellents), and 4.2 (Biological Control). Additional details can be found in the research project 6402-22320-003-00D entitled, Regional Integrated Management of Imported Fire Ants and in the research project 0500-00044-014-00D entitled, Area-wide Fire Ant Suppression Project: Demonstration Site in Mississippi. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. 1. Survey and inventory of ants native to Mississippi. a. Curation of ant collection in Mississippi Entomological Museum. b. Establishment of network of ant taxonomists and faunal researchers to collaborate on documenting taxonomy of ants in southeastern U.S. c. Survey of ants in Northern Mississippi, with emphasis on Natchez Trace Parkway, Tombigbee
National Forest, State Parks, Black Belt and Flatwoods Physiogeographic Regions. d. Community ecology of native and imported fire ants in different habitat types. e. Survey of ants in Southern Mississippi. f. Taxonomic treatments of selected genera of ants in Mississippi, ants of different habitat types, and ant fauna of Mississippi and Alabama. 2. Determine the general symbiotic microorganisms present in fire ant mounds and determine if select antagonistic fungi and several bacterial species can reduce or eliminate symbiotic microorganisms of fire ants. 3. Determine the landscape ecology of Solenopsis invicta by developing colony genetic fingerprints to establish the genetic relationships between local colonies and determine the proportion of colonies established through local dispersal. 4. Study the hybridization zone between S. invicta and S. richteri utilizing mitochondrial DNA to find fixed differences between ants of the two species. 5. Explore the utility of soil
profiles and texture analysis techniques, thermal imaging and motion detection for use in automated detection of individual fire ant colonies with intended use in automated bait dispensing equipment. 6. To study fire ant distribution and ecology in Pinus plantings by developing risk maps indicating the areas where fire ants are colonizing or most apt to colonize. 7. To determine the landscape ecology of monogyne and polygyne forms of the red imported fire ant. 8. Describe the ultrstructure, distribution and number of the various sensilla on the antennae, ovipositor and tarsi associated with the fire ant and phorid fly. 9. Study the neuroendocrine system of the fire ant and clone the PBAN- like gene. 3a List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2005. For each milestone, indicate the status: fully met, substantially met, or not met. If not met, why. 1. Survey and inventory of ants native to Mississippi. Milestone Substantially Met 2. Determine the general
symbiotic microorganisms present in fire ant mounds and determine if select antagonistic fungi and several bacterial species can reduce or eliminate symbiotic microorganisms of fire ants. Milestone Not Met Other 3. In the process of developing additional microsatellite markers for fire ant populations to enhance their ability to fingerprint fire ant colonies. Milestone Not Met Other 4. The influence of forest landscape features on imported fire ant populations. Milestone Substantially Met 5. Examine the structure of the various types of antennal cuticular sensory receptors and to map the number and distribution pattern of the sensilla on the antenna of a phorid parasitoid (Pseudacteon sp) of the red imported fire ant; also to elucidate the ultrastructure of the compound eye. Identify, characterize and isolate the chemical signatures on the red imported fire ant used by the phorid flies for host identification. Milestone Not Met Other 6. To determine the possible endocrine and
neuroendocrine control of sex pheromone production in the red imported fire ant and phorid parasitoid. Quantification of PBAN-like immunoreactivity in the nervous system of the imported fire ants. Milestone Substantially Met 3b List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2006, 2007, and 2008). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? Milestone 1 FY 2006 Inventory of ants in Mississippi. a. Continue curation of ant collection in MEM. b. Completion of survey of ants in southern Mississippi. c. Completion of taxonomic treatment of carpenter ants of Mississippi. d. Completion of treatment on community ecology of ants in grasslands and Forests of the Black Belt and Flatwoods Regions of Mississippi. FY 2007 a. Complete inventory of ants of Mississippi. b. Complete website with identification keys and photographs of all ant species in Mississippi and Alabama. c. Complete study of community ecology of
ants in southeastern grasslands. FY 2008 a. Complete publication on ants of Mississippi and neighboring states. b. Complete publication on ecology of ants in grassland habitats. c. Complete publications on identification of pest species. Milestone 2 FY 2006: to complete identification of bacteria and fungi and start conducting an evaluation of selected bacterial and fungal species as candidate biological control agents in a controlled environment (laboratory and field-caged tests). FY 2007: to complete the evaluation in a controlled environment started in FY 2006. FY 2008: to possibly conduct field release and evaluation of the most promising biological control agents. Milestone 5 FY 2006: Develop a sensor array and interfaces to make the system extensible (scaleable). Development of signal analysis algorithms to enhance performance and detection accuracy. FY 2007: Address issues of data management. FY 2008: Verify economic findings related to individual mound treatment as
compared with broadcast treatment and the effect on indigenous ant and other arthropod species. Milestone 8 In the Fall 2005, we will begin work to examine the cuticular sensilla on the mouthparts of imported fire ant. Most of the microscopy work should be finished by Summer 2006. In Fall 2006, the results of the study will be prepared for publication. Milestone 9 In 2006, the gene sequence encoding PBAN (pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropepetide) in the imported fire ant will be prepared for publication. In 2007, we will be concentrating mainly on studying the expression of the gene. In 2008 the results from the gene expression study will be prepared for publication. b. In the next three years, we will be concentrating on the identification and characterization of the chemical signatures on the imported fire ant used by the phorid flies for host identification. In 2006, extraction of chemicals from red imported fire ant will begin and a choice-bioassay will be established.
In 2007, we will concentrate on the isolation of the active component in the extract using gas chromomatography. In 2008, our work will be concentrated on identifying the active components using GC/MS. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? A preliminary list of ants of Alabama was prepared in collaboration with Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Auburn University. This list documented 154 species, including 59 new state records for Alabama. This list provides an aid for identifying ant species by researchers and extension personnel in Alabama. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. By using fatty acid methyl esters analysis method to identify bacteria, we found several bacterial species that have been previously found as pathogens to other insect pests. These bacteria will be tested against fire ants in laboratory and field-cage environment. Conversion of infrared image to a lumped value that showed that point sensor technology
is feasible. A survey instrument was produced to determine: (1) the current status of Christmas tree plantations in Louisiana and Mississippi, (2) the actual problems associated with S. invicta as perceived by Christmas tree growers, and (3) the level of Christmas tree grower interest in controlling S. invicta. This questionnaire was written and mailed to all current members of the Louisiana-Mississippi Christmas Tree Association. There were 40 respondents out of the 63 surveys sent. The most significant accomplishment is obtaining the tentative amino acid sequence of PBAN in the imported fire ant. It exhibits a few significant features which distinguish it from the PBAN of Lepidoptera. Collaboration with other researchers at other institutions (Archbold Biological Station; MO Botanical Garden) and visits from Auburn University, Louisiana State University, University of Florida, and University of Guelph, Ontario. Collaboration during FY 2005 has resulted in one publication and one
manuscript describing a new species accepted for publication. Collaborator was invited to collaborate with Discover Life, Ants of North America website www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/Insecta/Hymenoptera/Formicidae, with keys to species and photos of most North American ant species. The Mississippi Entomological website on Formicidae has been expanded to include ants of Alabama and improved keys to genera and species. Ant surveys in MS were made in 28 counties and trap samples from many other counties were obtained that remain unsorted. A total of 163 species plus the hybrid fire ant is now known from Mississippi. A preliminary survey of the dominant ground foraging native ants in Arkansas prairies and the effects of Solenopsis richteri on the native ant fauna was made with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. Rarely collected species of insects associated with native species of ants have been found and are reported in notes that have been submitted for publication. These include a
native phorid decapitating fly, an exotic tenebrionid beetle associated with imported fire ants, and an antloving cricket Research on carpenter ants of Mississippi has resulted in photographic plates and a manuscript. This will be submitted for publication in FY 2006. A treatment of ants in Pyramica, the largest genus in Mississippi, has been completed and accepted for publication. Two student design projects were developed by leveraging this project. The two projects were: Development of heat exchanger to make it possible to produce instantaneous high temperature water source for treatment of fire ants. Experimental characterization of microwave energy for heating fire ant mounds. Provided a comparison of the number and size of ommatidia of the compound eyes of the black imported fire ant, red imported fire ant, and their hybrid. Provided ultrastructural information on the compound eyes as well as morphology, distribution, and number of sensilla on the antennae of the male phorid
fly that is used in biological control of imported fire ants. This will be compared with data from the females that is to be obtained in the coming year. Elucidated morphology, distribution patterns, and number of sensilla on the antennae of the black imported fire ant. Morphology and ultrastructure of sensilla on the head region of larval fire ants has been partially characterized. Localized PBAN-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of the imported fire ant. 4c List any significant activities that support special target populations. No activities that supported target populations. 4d Progress report. Identification of bacteria (more than 2,500 isolates) isolated from red imported fire ants, plant debris and soil mounds using fatty acid methyl esters analysis method has been completed. Eighty one bacterial species are tentatively identified and the identification will be confirmed using molecular techniques. Fungi were tentatively grouped into 200 groups and these
groups will also be characterized using molecular techniques. Many of these species, particularly the ones showing to be pathogens for other insects, will be evaluated for the biological control potential in a controlled environment (laboratory and field cage). Microsatellite Project: From our 2003 and 2004 collections, we have extracted DNA from 3,281 ants out of 363 mounds. We have performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on these with our microsatellite primers in about 22,000 individual reactions. The products from these have been put through over 7,050 Fragment Analysis reactions at LSBI to identify gene alleles. At this point, we are cleaning up the data resulting from our 04 field season. We are also running repeat reactions where we have inconsistencies. Additional samples are being run to fill gaps in our 03 data set. We are also doing preliminary work to sequence questionable alleles. GPS data collected during our field work phase, has been transformed into a UTM map
projection and linked with corresponding specific mound allele data. To verify that our stored DNA has not degraded significantly, we have tested a small subset in a SpectraMax Plus 384 spectrophotometer. There seems to be no degradation. A data instrument has been developed for recording the major landscape features of Christmas tree farms. Information includes; tree height, tree diameter, tree species, cardinal direction of rows, tree spacing specifications, average grass height, current weather conditions, and cultivation dates and practices. Distance to nearest tree and nearest mound have also been recorded for every Solenopsis spp. mound present in a designated plot. Identification of herbaceous ground cover and soil types present have been recorded for each research site. Ant baits have been utilized to determine ant fauna present in Christmas tree farm settings. Ant specimens are being identified to species, and will be recorded for each research site. Fire ant mound
distribution were captured by using an AllegroCO Global Positioning System unit to geo- reference mound locations. These points will then be over-layed on top of a geo-referenced aerial photograph of the research site, and will be used in nearest neighbor and kriging analyses within a ArcGIS program. At this time, all selected research sites have been surveyed in Mississippi, and are in the process of being surveyed a second time this summer, 2005. Information obtained from the current projects increase our understanding of the reproductive physiology of imported fire ant. The information will be useful in the future development of control strategies for the imported fire ant. Information on the antennal sensilla and compound eyes of the phorid parasitoids for the fire ants has been obtained. These sensilla and eyes are the two systems that are probably responsible for the detection of the fire ant host. Knowledge about how the parasitoid locates its host may be useful in enhancing
the use of these flies as biological control agents. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. A comprehensive and curated collection of Formicidae representing ant species found in the Southeastern United States, especially AL and MS, has been developed in the Mississippi Entomological Museum (MEM)to aid identifications and hold voucher specimens for ant research. Nomenclature of species in the MEM has been updated with current catalogs. Identifications have been provided for more than 30 different individuals representing 10 universities and and state and federal agencies. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Two provisional patent applications were developed and are
in process of review. The web site (http://www.msstate.edu/org/mississippientmuseum - select "Research Taxa") has become a major source of information on the ant fauna in Mississippi and Alabama, and has been used extensively by graduate students and other researchers on ants. Scientists wage war on fire ants In Delta Farm Press April 16, 2004. MSU scientists open multifront attack on fire ants, pp. 8-10 In Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station Research, Highlights Magazine (R. Ratliffe, Ed.), Volume 67 (1), Fall 2004. Current status of identification of bacteria associated with red imported fire ants Solenopsis invicta Buren and mounds in Mississippi, presented in 2004 Mississippi Entomological Association (MEA) meeting, Starkville, MS, November 3-5, 2004. Bacteria and fungi associated with red imported fire ants Solenopsis invicta Buren and mounds in Mississippi, and their potential use as biological control agents, presented in 2005 Mississippi Agricultural Pest
Management Associations meeting, Stoneville, MS, February 22-24, 2005. Characterization of bacteria associated with red imported fire ants using fatty acid methyl esters analysis method, presented in 2005 Mississippi Agricultural Pest Management Associations meeting, Stoneville, MS, February 22-24, 2005. Survey of bacteria and fungi associated with red imported fire ants Solenopsis invicta Buren: An effort to discover potential microbial control agents, presented in 2005 Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) Conference, Gulfport, MS, March 22-24, 2005. Fungi associated with fire ants and mounds in Mississippi: An effort to discover potential biological control agent(s), presented in 2005 Mycological Society of America Meeting, Hilo, HI, July 30 August 5, 2005. Michael Knight, Sean Jones, and S. D. To, Fire Ant Mounds Treatment Using Food for Other Insects, Institute for Biological Engineers (IBE) conference, student poster, Athens, GA, 2005 Filip To, Jack T. Reed and David B. Smith, The
Development of a Real- time Detector for Fire ant Mounds on Pasture Ground", Poster. Annual Red Imported Fire Ant Conference, March 22-24, 2005, Grand Casino, Gulf Port, MS. Ayyanath, Murali M., Gerald T. Baker and Peter W. K. Ma. 2005. Partial characterization of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) in red imported fire ants (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Presented at the 79th Meeting of the Southeastern Branch, Entomological Society of America, March, 2005, Tunica, MS. Baker, Gerald T., J. T. Vogt, and Peter W. K. Ma. 2005. Morphology of the compound eye of a Pseudacteon parasitoid (Phoridae). Presented at the 79th Meeting of the Southeastern Branch, Entomological Society of America, March, 2005, Tunica, MS. Hill, J.G., R.L. Brown, and J.A. Barone. 2005. The Black Belt Prairie of Mississippi and Alabama. The 11th Symposium of the Natural History of the Lower Tennessee and Cumberland River Valleys. April 1-2, 2005. MacGown, J. A. and J.
A. Forster. 2005. A preliminary list of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Alabama, U.S.A. Entomological News 116:61-74. Hill, J.G. and R.L. Brown 2005. The First Record of the Genus Polyergus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Mississippi. Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Science 50:120
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Efforts to control or halt the spread of imported fire ants in the United States have proven generally unsuccessful. Currently, the geographic range of imported fire ants covers over 300 million acres in fifteen states and Puerto Rico. The range of imported fire ants are expected to continue to increase in the United States unless we develop a pro-active management program. The goal of this project will be the management of the imported fire ant on agricultural, industrial, wildlife, urban and recreational areas. A pro-active regional program will be implemented to suppress imported fire ant populations and to end the spread of infestations. New selective methods to suppress imported fire ant populations will be developed using microbial agents and toxic bait formulations. Cooperative regional
management programs will be developed by ARS and Mississippi State University that will include a strong educational and technology transfer program. Results from basic and applied research in the areas of biology and ecology of fire ants will be integrated into area-wide programs for the control of fire ant populations. This program, which combines regional programs and integrated pest management to develop novel strategies for the control of imported fire ants, falls primarily within Component 4 (Control Technology) of NP 104, with some aspects that fall within Components 2 (Detection and Surveillance Technology) and 3 (Biology and Physiology). The project includes elements of 2.1 (Detection and Diagnostics), 3.2 (Physiology, Anatomy, and Biochemistry), 4.1 (Chemical Pesticides and Repellents), and 4.2 (Biological Control). Additional details can be found in the in house CRIS Project 6402-22320-001-00D, "Regional Integrated Management of Imported Fire Ant" and in the CRIS
0500-00044-014-00D, "Area-wide Fire Ant Suppression Project: Demonstration Site in Mississippi." 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. FY 2001 1)Surveys of ants native to Mississippi will be made initially in Tombigbee National Forest. 2) Keys will be prepared for genera of Myrmecinae and species of Asphenogaster, Pheidole, and Leptothorax that occur in Mississippi. 3) Biochemical and morphological markers will be identified to distinguish various species of fire ant and hybrids that occur in the state of Mississippi. FY 2002 1) Surveys of ants native to Mississippi will be conducted on the Natchez Trace and at the Keye's farm in Clay County, MS, near West Point. 2) Cooperative studies will be conducted on the effects of differently timed bait applications on native ants and imported fire ants. FY 2003 1) Work was continued on the native ants of Mississippi. Ant surveys will be conducted on the Natchez Trace and at the Keye's farm in Clay County, MS,
near West Point. 2) Cooperative studies will be completed on the effects of differently timed bait applications on native ants and imported fire ants. This work will include continued studies to inventory native ant species and assess impact of imported fire ants on ant diversity. 3) Work will continue on the native ants of Mississippi. 4) Surveys will be initiated on the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and the Tombigbee National Forest to determine the influence of forest fragmentation patterns on populations of fire ants in forest gaps. FY 2004 1) Studies will be continued on the landscape ecology of Solenopsis invicta, and the genetic relationships between local colonies will be determined to identify the proportion of colonies established through local dispersal. 2) Studies will also be conducted to assess the imaging sensor system coupled to a pesticide applicator for large scale individual mound treatments. 3) Cooperative studies will be completed on the effects of differently
timed bait applications on native ants and imported fire ants. 4) Surveys will be completed on the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and the Tombigbee National Forest to determine the influence of forest fragmentation patterns on populations of fire ants in forest gaps. FY 2005 1) Conduct studies on the hybridization zone between S. invicta and S. richteri utilizing mitochondrial DNA will be completed to find fixed differences between ants of the two species. 2) Determine the feasibility of converting low cost imaging sensors into an infrared sensitive device will be evaluated to improve the economics of the instrumentation. 3) Complete the analysis of ant and plant communities in four habitats in Black Belt and Flatwoods Regions of Mississippi. 4) Conduct an ant survey in southern Mississippi. 5) Develop a parallel methodology for sensor interfacing and signal processing to make the system extensible (scaleable). 6) Conduct small scale field studies will be conducted on potential
biological control agents identified during the previous year. 7) Forest fragmentation survey results will be summarized and compiled into technical bulletin. FY 2006 1) Complete survey of ants in southern Mississippi. FY 2007 1) Completion of analysis of ant fauna in Mississippi. 2) Development of a website with identification keys and photographs of all ant species in Mississippi and Alabama. 3. Milestones: 1. Partially Met. The suvey of ants in the Tombighee National Forest was completed. The survey of ants in the northern half of the Natchez Trace Parkway was completed. Studies on the ant fauna in the Black Belt and Flatwood Regions continue. 2. Partially Met. A new sensing technique was developed that used a differential passive infrared method that eliminated the requirements for image processing and reduced the cost of the system. Some false positive detections (showing more fire ant mounds than it really was) will require further study and mitigation. 3. Met. 4. Met. B. List
the milestones (from the list in Question #2) that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2005, 2006, & 2007). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? FY 2005 1) Studies on the hybridization zone between S. invicta and S. richteri utilizing mitochondrial DNA will be completed to find fixed differences between ants of the two species. 2) The feasibility of converting low cost imaging sensors into an infrared sensitive device will be evaluated to improve the economics of the instrumentation. 3) Completion of analysis of ant and plant communities in four habitats in Black Belt and Flatwoods Regions of Mississippi. 4) Survey of ants in southern Mississippi. 5) Development of massively parallel methodology for sensor interfacing and signal processing to make the system extensible (scaleable). 6) Small scale field studies will be conducted on potential biological control agents identified during the previous year. 7) Forest
fragmentation survey results will be summarized and compiled into technical bulletin. FY 2006 1) Completion of survey of ants in southern Mississippi. FY 2007 1) Completion of analysis of ant fauna in Mississippi. 2) Development of a website with identification keys and photographs of all ant species in Mississippi and Alabama. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single most significant accomplishment during FY 2004 (one per Research (OOD) Project): 1. A comprehensive and curated collection of Formicidae representing ant species found in the southeastern United States, especially AL and MS, has been developed in the Mississippi Entomological Museum (MEM) to aid identifications and hold voucher specimens for ant research. Nomenclature of species in the MEM has been updated with current catalogs. Identifications have been provided for more than 30 different individuals representing 10 universities and state and Federal agencies. B. Other significant
accomplishment(s), if any. Collaborative research on ants in Mississippi and Alabama has been initiated with 31 researchers from 22 institutions (government, university, and museums) in 10 states and three countries to investigate the fauna of native species of ants. C. Significant activities that support special target populations. 1. Collaboration by the MEM with Auburn University and Alabama A & M University resulted in an instructional CD-ROM by R. Ward, K. Ward, J. MacGown, J. and K. Flanders. (Ant Identification and Fire Ant Biology. Alabama Cooperative Extension Service). This CD-ROM provides information on imported fire ants and a key to common and economic pest ants of Alabama for Extension and public users. 2. The MEM web site (http://www.msstate.edu/org/mississippientmuseum - select "Research Taxa") has become a major source of information on the ant fauna in Mississippi, and has been used extensively by graduate students and other researchers on ants. 3. Brown, R.L.,
MacGown, J.A. and Schiefer, T.L. 2004. "A survey of the Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Tombigbee National Forest, Tombigbee Unit, Mississippi." Report to U.S. Forest Service documenting distribution of 71 species of native and introduced species of ants, including delineation of distribution boundaries of Solenopsis invicta and S. invicta-richteri hybrid. 4. A survey was produced to determine: (1) the current status of Christmas tree plantations in Louisiana and Mississippi; (2) the actual problems associated with S. invicta as perceived by Christmas tree growers; and (3) the level of Christmas tree grower interest in controlling S. invicta. This questionnaire was written and mailed to all current members of the Louisiana-Mississippi Christmas Tree Association, February, 2004. There were 40 respondents to the survey. D. Progress Report opportunity to submit additional programmatic information to your Area Office and NPS (optional for all in-house ("D") projects and the
projects listed in Appendix A; mandatory for all other subordinate projects). None 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. An infrared imaging system was used to collect images of fire ant mounds under different environments. The environments were hay field, bare ground, and a turf grass field. The images taken include ant mounds, grass, bare ground, and fecal mounds of cattle. Based on visual inspection of the images, fire ant mounds can be discriminated from vegetation (grass), from bare soil, and from fecal mounds by the surface temperature of the object, and by the texture of the region of interest. Water spray has the affect of improving the contrast values of the image if there is a significant mass difference between the mound and the surrounding objects. This imaging sensor system will be coupled to a pesticide applicator to evaluate a system for large scale individual mound treatments. 7. List your most
important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. Poster: S. D. Filip To, D. B. Smith, J. T. Reed, Robert Smith, "Surface Thermal Signature of Fire Ant Mounds on Pasture Land", Mississippi Entomology Association Conference, November 3-5, 2003. Poster: S. D. Filip To, D. B. Smith, J. T. Reed, Robert Smith, "Surface Thermal Signature of Fire Ant Mounds on Pasture Land", Mississippi Entomology Association Conference, November 3-5, 2003.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|