Azadirachtin impairs egg production in Atta sexdens leaf-cutting ant queens

Leaf-cutting ants are important pests of forests and agricultural crops in the Neotropical region. Atta sexdens colonies can be composed of thousands of individuals, which form a highly complex society with a single reproductive queen. Successful control of this species is achieved only if the queen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental pollution (1987) 2018-12, Vol.243 (Pt B), p.809-814
Main Authors: Amaral, Karina Dias, Martínez, Luis Carlos, Pereira Lima, Maria Augusta, Serrão, José Eduardo, Della Lucia, Terezinha Maria Castro
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Ant control
Ants - drug effects
Environmental Pollutants - toxicity
Female
Formicidae
Limonins - toxicity
Neem oil
Reproduction - drug effects
Vitellogenin
Yolk
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Summary:Leaf-cutting ants are important pests of forests and agricultural crops in the Neotropical region. Atta sexdens colonies can be composed of thousands of individuals, which form a highly complex society with a single reproductive queen. Successful control of this species is achieved only if the queen is affected. Few data are available on the lethal or sublethal effects of toxic compounds on leaf-cutting ant queens. Azadirachtin has been claimed as an effective biopesticide for insect control, but its action on leaf-cutting ants has been little explored. This study shows that azadirachtin affects oviposition in A. sexdens queens, impairing egg development by decreasing protein reserves. Azadirachtin inhibits the synthesis of vitellogenin, the major yolk protein precursor. The negative effects of azadirachtin on the reproduction of leaf-cutting ant queens suggest a potential use for the control of these insects. [Display omitted] •Leaf-cutting ants are defoliating pests responsible for economic damage to crops.•Sublethal effects of azadirachtin were investigated for control of Atta sexdens.•Oviposition, histopathology, and protein content were evaluated.•Azadirachtin drastically reduced oviposition.•Azadirachtin decreased vitellogenin synthesis in the fat body.
ISSN:0269-7491
1873-6424
DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.066