T. Eugene “Gene” Reagan
Studying the impact on nontarget organisms, especially insects that are not pests of sugarcane, is an important part of insecticide evaluation. This includes the effects on other insects from sprays to control the sugarcane borer and soil insecticides for wireworm control. The imported fire ant is so helpful to the sugarcane farmer that the predation it provides is equal to two insecticide applications properly timed to control the sugarcane borer. Though crickets are neutral insects in sugarcane fields (neither pest nor beneficial), they are important as food for predatory fire ants. The tremendous beneficial effects of these other insects living in the sugarcane ecosystem make it essential to develop insecticide programs with minimal harm on nontarget organisms. Fire ants are thought of as a good first line of defense against the invasion of other sugarcane pests such as the severely damaging Mexican Rice Borer, which may move into Louisiana’s sugarcane from Texas. During late May, fire ants are also thought to help protect sugarcane fields from the establishment of Formosan subterranean termites following adult mating flights. The termite reproductives must first search for a nesting site. Fire ants can stop them in their tracks.
(This article appeared in the fall 2001 edition of Louisiana Agriculture.) |