Utilization and evaluation of an indoxacarb-based granular bait (Advion) developed for the control of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Date

2007-09-17

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Texas A&M University

Abstract

This research evaluated the new red imported fire ant (RIFA) bait Advion??????. Advion?????? contains the active ingredient indoxacarb which, following ingestion, must be metabolized into an N-decarbomethoxyllated metabolite known as JT333 in order to become acutely toxic. Laboratory experimentation was conducted to determine the most effective chemical form and concentration of indoxacarb, as well as the most appropriate grit size, for use in Advion??????. The results indicated that Advion?????? containing indoxacarb was more effective than Advion?????? containing JT333, that 0.10%, 0.06%, and 0.045% were the most effective concentrations of indoxacarb, and that standard sized grit (~2 mm) was more effective than small sized grit (<1 mm). Field experimentation was conducted to determine the most effective concentration and quantity of Advion??????, as well as the most effective placement of the bait, for obtaining maximum control of RIFA colonies via individual mound treatments. The results indicated that 10 g (2 Tbsp) of 0.045% Advion?????? placed around the mound in a circle with a radius of 0.5-3.0 m was the most effective manner in which to treat individual RIFA mounds. Field experimentation was also conducted to compare the effectiveness of label-rate broadcast treatment with Advion?????? to the effectiveness of both label-rate broadcast treatment with Amdro???? and pre-baiting broadcast treatment with Advion??????. Both pre-baiting broadcast treatment and label-rate broadcast treatment with Advion?????? ultimately resulted in 98-99% RIFA colony mortality, which was significantly greater than the 87% colony mortality resulting from broadcast treatment with Amdro????. The 6.2 d LT90 for label-rate broadcast treatment with Advion?????? was nearly one half that of the LT90 for pre-baiting broadcast treatment. Laboratory experimentation was conducted to determine whether RIFA workers were capable of metabolizing indoxacarb into the toxic metabolite, and the results clearly indicated that they were. Finally, field experimentation was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of label-rate broadcast treatment with Advion?????? at controlling multiple ant species. The results indicated that label-rate broadcast treatment with Advion?????? resulted in control of the RIFA and Pogonomyrmex barbatus for at least 7 wk, and Monomorium pharaonis and Dorymyrmex pyramicus for some period of time between 3 and 7 wk.

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