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Full-Text Articles in Biology
Mitigating Predatory Ants Promotes Establishment Of Biological Control Of Arundo By Arundo Scale In The Cattle Fever Tick Quarantine Zone, A. Velez-Bonner, W. L. A. Osbrink, D. W. Thomas, Kenneth R. Summy, A. T. Showler, A. Perez De Leon, John A. Goolsby
Mitigating Predatory Ants Promotes Establishment Of Biological Control Of Arundo By Arundo Scale In The Cattle Fever Tick Quarantine Zone, A. Velez-Bonner, W. L. A. Osbrink, D. W. Thomas, Kenneth R. Summy, A. T. Showler, A. Perez De Leon, John A. Goolsby
Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations
Ant collection, identification, and control experiments were conducted to improve the establishment of the arundo scale, Rhizaspidiotus donacis, a biological control agent of Arundo donax, an invasive weed in the riparian habitats along the Rio Grande in Texas. Observational studies indicated R. donacis immatures are preyed upon by a variety of predator insects, especially ants. A survey of the principle ant species was made at sites along the Rio Grande with Arundo donax to help direct biological control strategies. We conclude that uses of ant baits can effectively control the common ant species found in these habitats and improve the …