Journal of Applied Entomology - Zeitschrift für angewandte Entomologie (2000) 124, 249-252

M.J.A. Hebling, O.C. Bueno, P.S. Maroti, F.C. Pagnocca and O.A. da Silva (2000)
Effects of leaves of Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae) on nest development and on respiratory metabolism of leaf-cutting ants Atta sexdens L. (Hym., Formicidae)
Journal of Applied Entomology - Zeitschrift für angewandte Entomologie 124 (5-6), 249-252
Abstract: Laboratory colonies of the leaf-cutting ants Atta sexdens feed daily with leaves of Ipomoea batatas showed ant mortality and a significant decrease in the size of the fungal garden after the second week, with complete depletion of nests after 5 weeks of treatment. The mean oxygen consumption rate of these ants was higher than the control (ants collected from nests feed with leaves of Eucalyptus alba), suggesting a physiological action of the leaves of I. batatas on the ants in addition to the effect of inhibiting the growth of the fungal garden.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Odair Correa Bueno, Maria José A. Hebling

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Atta sexdens	Eucalypt (Eucalyptus)