Increases in crop pests caused by Wasmannia auropunctata in Solomon Islands subsistence gardens

摘要: The impacts of Wasmannia auropunctata (the little fire ant) on the native biota and subsistence agriculture in Solomon Islands are poorly understood. This species was originally introduced as a biological control against nut-fall bugs (Amblypelta sp.) around 30 years ago intervening time has spread throughout Islands, aided movement produce planting material. It is now itself major pest coconut, cocoa agriculture. In this study, we show negative effects invasive ant Islands. We do by (i) assessing presence insect pests that develop mutual relationship with W. four common crops; (ii) measuring impact significant (Tarophagus its natural predator bug Cyrtohinus fulvus, absence taro crops. existence form measured total 36 gardens conducted through standardized visual searches, plus identification collecting from randomly selected plants within gardens. A number additional causing problems to crops have also developed relationships auropunctata. Infested more Tarophagus sp. compared free ant. abundance therefore potential inflict considerable crop loss rural