Progress 03/01/06 to 08/31/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Specific objectives are to develop and integrate sustainable fire ant management methods in areawide demonstration projects; to form long-term partnerships among Federal, State, and the private sector; and to transfer to customers economical and ecologically sound technologies to manage fire ants. Approach (from AD-416) This project will reduce and keep fire ant populations below an (arbitrary) threshold in pastures over a period of 3 years. For each demo in 3 states (Oklahoma, northern exteme of fire ant range; Texas, western extreme; Florida, firmly entrenched subtropical infestations), one 300 acre pasture will be treated only with pesticide bait applications, a second 300 acres will receive bait application and surrounding areas will be infested with 2 self-sustaining biocontrol agents (the phorid fly Pseudaccteon tricuspis, and the microsporidian disease agent Thelohania solenopsae), and a final 300 acres will be untreated and monitored for seasonal population fluctations. Monitoring will include mound counts and foraging activity (food lures) in approx. 30 1/8 to 1/2 acre circular plots in each 300 acre parcel and surrounding areas. In addition, establish small demonstration sites in 'high value" properties within areas with fire ant biocontrol agents, monitor fire ant populations using a food lure methodology, and make pesticide bait applications, and supplemental biocontrol agent inoculations as necessary. GPS and GIS technologies will be used to map observations and to create a comprehensive spatial database; spatial and temporal analyses will assess efficacy, reinfestation rates, establishment and spread of biocontrol agents, ecological impacts, and economic assessments. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations All Areawide Project large pasture demonstration sites have been completed. The high-value demonstration sites have been completed and offer the best opportunity to transfer the control technology to the end users and beyond. Final surveys of parasitic phorid flies were made in South Carolina where it was demonstrated to be established and spreading. In Texas, two species of phorid flies (Pseudacteon tricuspis and P. curvatus) released at a high-value site were detected over 20 miles from the release site � indicative of establishment and spread. Oklahoma cooperators documented the spread of two phorid fly parasites from their release sites, which provided the latest dispersal information, which helped update the potential impact of the biological control part of the Areawide demonstration project. Agricultural economists collected, entered, and analyzed primary data on the economic impact of fire ants across five states from high-valued areas. This information coupled with secondary data from other research efforts and publications allowed extrapolation of the findings to the entire fire ant belt in the United States. The education component of the project finished a 12 page booklet of info sheets that include: Economic Benefits, Restoring the Ecological Balance, Spreading the Natural Enemies, and Research at the High-Value Sites. A web site for information about the areawide management of fire ants was maintained at CMAVE and the University of Florida. Technology Transfer Number of Web Sites managed: 1
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Aubuchon, M.D., Vander Meer, R.K. 2009. Areawide suppression of fire ants. In: Koul, O., Cuperus, G., Elliott, N. Areawide Pest Management: Theory and Implementation. Stillwater, OK: CAB International. p. 261-270.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Specific objectives are to develop and integrate sustainable fire ant management methods in areawide demonstration projects; to form long-term partnerships among Federal, State, and the private sector; and to transfer to customers economical and ecologically sound technologies to manage fire ants. Approach (from AD-416) This project will reduce and keep fire ant populations below an (arbitrary) threshold in pastures over a period of 3 years. For each demo in 3 states (Oklahoma, northern exteme of fire ant range; Texas, western extreme; Florida, firmly entrenched subtropical infestations), one 300 acre pasture will be treated only with pesticide bait applications, a second 300 acres will receive bait application and surrounding areas will be infested with 2 self-sustaining biocontrol agents (the phorid fly Pseudaccteon tricuspis, and the microsporidian disease agent Thelohania solenopsae), and a final 300 acres will be untreated and monitored for seasonal population fluctations. Monitoring will include mound counts and foraging activity (food lures) in approx. 30 1/8 to 1/2 acre circular plots in each 300 acre parcel and surrounding areas. In addition, establish small demonstration sites in 'high value" properties within areas with fire ant biocontrol agents, monitor fire ant populations using a food lure methodology, and make pesticide bait applications, and supplemental biocontrol agent inoculations as necessary. GPS and GIS technologies will be used to map observations and to create a comprehensive spatial database; spatial and temporal analyses will assess efficacy, reinfestation rates, establishment and spread of biocontrol agents, ecological impacts, and economic assessments. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Large Demonstration Sites: Co-operators within FL, MS, SC, TX, and OK wrapped up their work plans at the large sites. They conducted the final evaluations of the fire ant populations, collected the final pitfall traps, collected final samples for Thelohania (fire ant disease), and monitored the establishment and spread of the parasitic fly. Co- operators prepared fire-ant data files which were then sent to Gainesville for collation and analysis. Samples collected from pitfall trapping and Thelohania monitoring required additional time and labour. Co-operators sent data from these activities as they processed samples. Co-operators submitted final reports for large demonstration sites to the project coordinator in June 2007. Data from the Areawide project large demonstration sites are being analyzed. High Value Sites: Co-operators concluded all activities at the high value sites by late summer of 2007. Monitoring of fire ant populations was conducted and treatments were coordinated based upon a pre-determined threshold for fire ant activity. Co-operators worked with site managers to ensure all activities were targeted to meet unique needs of each site. A total of twelve high value sites were involved with the Areawide Suppression of Imported Fire Ants. Site use included three golf courses, two cemeteries, two public campgrounds, two private quail ranches, one state and one county park, and one public school. Co-operators submitted final reports for high value sites to the project coordinator in August 2007. Education & Outreach: The website was updated in January 2007. Co- operators contributed to the education and outreach efforts in April 2007, by participating in documentary-style interviews that highlight unique aspects and accomplishments of this Area-wide program. Accomplishments Technology Transfer at High Value Sites. The high value demonstration sites establish a working relationship between ARS and property managers so that both parties may design a practical fire ant management plan that accommodates customers� budget and unique land-use needs. It is intended that customers will adopt methods and technologies demonstrated at high value sites. By committing to a one-year work plan, ARS co-operators have demonstrated effective fire ant control strategies that address the needs of a diverse group of customers including (but not limited to) parks, camp grounds, schools, and golf courses. At the conclusion of the work plan, customers at Oklahoma and Florida high value sites indicated they would adopt ARS methods and technologies demonstrated at individual sites. The Florida customers intend to purchase appropriate equipment and apply demonstrated methods to potentially 26 parks that they manage. This accomplishment is in alignment with National Program 104 - Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology. The research addresses the Problem Statement associated with Action Plan Component 4: Control Technology and specific Action Plan Goal 4.3 Area-wide Control. Technology Transfer Number of Web Sites managed: 2 Number of Newspaper Articles,Presentations for NonScience Audiences: 1
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 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? Why does it matter? This project is aligned with National Program 304 Crop Protection and Quarantine and National Program 104 Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology. Imported fire ants inhabit million acres of pasture in twelve southern states from Texas to Virginia. Fire ants have also become established in limited areas in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Because of their tremendous populations and painful sting, fire ants are agricultural, rural and urban pests. Costs for damage, control measures, and medical treatments are estimated to approximately $6 billion dollars annually. Chemical treatments can provide fast control in limited areas, but are costly and provide only temporary fire ant suppression. Fire ant populations in the U.S. are 5-7 times higher than in their native range of Brazil
and Argentina, and the large populations are likely the result of escaping from natural enemies that occur in South America. To resolve this issue, natural enemies of fire ants, such as parasitic decapitating flies and a microsporidian pathogen are being evaluated to develop self-sustaining, biologically-based integrated pest management strategies for permanent or long term suppression of fire ants in the U.S. The integration of chemical bait pesticides and biological control agents will be utilized in this program. The ant population will be reduced by the application of chemical bait applications and the biological control agents will serve to prevent reinfestation of the treated area. This project will assess the impact of self-sustaining biological control agents against red imported fire ant populations and demonstrate the use of specific insect parasites, predators, and other tactics used over a broad area (~300 acres). Integration of biological and chemical control agents
over large areas can keep fire ant populations below the point where they impose a financial burden on farmers and ranchers or cause ecological damage to native wildlife. Kept at low levels, pests are more responsive to biological controls. Five sites have been chosen to represent the diversity of climate conditions where fire ants exist in the U.S. Florida represents a subtropical environment that allows the fire ant to have mating flights throughout the year. Oklahoma represents the northern extreme of fire ant invasions, where populations may be limited by cold winter temperatures and may be relatively unstable. Texas represents the western extreme of contiguous infestations in the southeast U.S. where a semi-arid climate may favour the impacts of the decapitating flies on fire ant populations. South Carolina represents the eastern extreme of the fire ant range in the U.S. Mississippis sites are established in areas infested with the black imported fire ant (Solenopsis richteri)
and will allow comparison of the same IPM approach on a different species. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is an invasive species inadvertently introduced into the USA and infests over 321 million acres in 12 southeastern states and Puerto Rico. Recently a sustaining population has been found in California, and it has also been reported sporadically in Arizona, New Mexico and Maryland. The fire ant thrives in disturbed habitats where people are likely to be present. The ants potent sting and large populations have created serious medical and agricultural problems. About 40 percent of the human population in infested areas are stung each year. Fire ants damage many crops and create problems for the cattle industry. Economic Analysis conducted under this project shows that the annual economic impact of fire ants in the US economy is approximately 6 billion dollars, including 1.3 billion dollars in FL, 1.2 billion dollars in
TX, 210 million dollars in SC, 164 million dollars in MS, and 18 million dollars in OK. There are only two commercial toxic bait treatments available for fire ant control in pasture. These baits are non-specific, costly and require multiple treatments per year, year after year. The continual treatment / re-invasion process perpetuates the ecological balance originally upset by the invading imported fire ant. Fire ant densities in the United States are about five times those found in their indigenous South America, most likely because in the United States they have escaped from their native natural enemies. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) FY06 Annual Core Team Meeting in Association with the Fire Ant Conference Prepare Comprehensive Budget for Program with Site Budgets Assess & modify Support Research Plan Assess & modify Economic Assessment Plan Assess & modify Environmental Assessment Plan Assess & Modify Education Component Plan
Prepare new Brochures Targeting Impact and Technology Transfer Conduct Last Large Area Population Assessments Apply Last Treatment of Chemical Baits if Needed to Large Area Sites Continue Developing High Value Demonstration Sites FY07 Annual Core Team Meeting Annual Core Team + Stakeholder Meeting Prepare Minimal Maintenance Budget Comprehensive Data Analysis Assess & modify Support Research Plan Assess & modify Economic Assessment Plan Complete Environmental Assessment Assess & Modify Education Component Plan Video Document Project Progress Monitor and Evaluate High Value Demonstration Sites FY08 Last Annual Core Team Meeting in Association with the Fire Ant Conference Complete Economic Assessment Complete Education Component Website Maintenance Prepare final Project Report(s) Evaluate Effectiveness of High Value Demonstration Sites 4a List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. This Project will have been in effect for 6 months at the end of FY06. For
the first time the Project demonstrated large area fire ant control over a continuous 4 to 5 year period in several unique climatic locations in the infested area in the United States. This accomplishment is in alignment with National Program 104 - Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology and supports Action Plan Goals: 4.1 Chemical Pesticides and Repellents; 4.2 Biological Control; 4.3 Area-wide Control; and 2.2 Surveillance. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. This is the first progress report for this CRIS and after less than six months of its commencement, the major accomplishments at this stage would be the same as the accomplishments found in section 4A. 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? This is the first progress report for this CRIS and after less than six months of its commencement; therefore, there is nothing to report here. However, see also terminated Project CRIS 0500-00044-009-00D, Areawide Suppression of Fire Ant Populations in Pastures for which the current CRIS is a continuation.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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