Boric acid for suppression of the ant Anoplolepis tenella and effects on an associated scale insect pest Stictococcus vayssierei in cassava fields in the Congo Basin

摘要: The scale insect, Stictococcus vayssierei, is one of the major pests and constraints to cassava production in Congo Basin. It frequently found associated with ground nesting ant, Anoplolepis tenella, under plant. Amdro fire ant bait granules (contains 7.3 g/kg Hydramethylnon), borax boric acid solution were evaluated laboratory for toxicity against A. tenella colonies. Workers exposed ten days during primary screening colonies six weeks secondary screening. Mortality was recorded daily each toxicant. In a field experiment, effect 1% acid-sucrose on its impact density S. vayssierei cassava. Each three toxicants displayed delayed less than 15% mortality after first day. comparison borax, more effective killing workers. reduced numbers workers brood by 90% within 6 weeks. monthly sampling showed significant reductions treated fields which resulted reduction infestation We 16% yield increase plots compared control plots. These results outline dependence survival attendance demonstrate that can help developing options insect pest