INVESTIGADORES
FARJI-BRENER Alejandro Gustavo
artículos
Título:
Leaf-cutting ants revisited: towards rational management and control
Autor/es:
JAMES MONTOYA-LERMA; CAROLINA GIRALDO-ECHEVERRI; INGE ARMBRECHT; FARJI-BRENER, AG; ZORAIDA CALLE
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEST MANAGEMENT
Editorial:
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Referencias:
Lugar: Londres; Año: 2012 vol. 58 p. 225 - 247
ISSN:
0967-0874
Resumen:
Leaf-cutting ants, being the principal herbivores and ecosystem engineers in the Neotropics, have been considered to
be a keystone species in natural ecosystems and agroecosystems, due to the direct and indirect effects of their plant
defoliation activities. This review summarizes current concepts of the biological and ecological importance of leaf-
cutting ants. The ants? pest status is briefly assessed from both ecological and evolutionary points of view. A general
overview of control measures is provided. Leaf-cutting ants have evolved physical, symbiotic and behavioural
mechanisms that allow them to overcome the chemical, biological, mechanical and cultural methods that have been
used to manage their populations. Given the highly complex ecology of these ants, simple methods of control should
not be expected. Sound management strategies must alternate between, and combine, different methods.