| Pesticides

Ants in biological disease management

Research reveals ants can fight plant diseases

30.11.2024 | 04:15 (UTC -3)

Cultivar Magazine

Vertical filter papers were treated with washed ant extract, while the grown horizontal filter papers were Milli-Q controls. The right side of shows a magnified image of the inhibition zones around the filter papers and the microbial growth on the paper

Leaf-cutter ants (Formica polyctena) are being recognized as effective agents in combating fungal diseases in agricultural crops. A Danish study details how these ants and the microorganisms associated with them inhibit the growth of fungi that cause brown rot and apple scab, among other diseases that are harmful to various agricultural crops.

Ants not only hunt insects like winter moth larvae, but they carry bacteria on their feet that produce potent antimicrobial compounds.

Experiments have shown that the substances transferred by the ants prevent the growth of pathogenic fungi such as Monilinia fructigena, which causes brown rot, and Venturia inaequalis, which causes apple scab. In addition, some of these bacteria also act against gray mold and Fusarium.

AntFarm Project

Based on these results, the AntFarm project was launched to evaluate the feasibility of raising and transferring leaf-cutter ants to organic orchards. The proposal seeks to integrate the use of ants as a biological management tool, reducing dependence on chemicals.

In addition to disease control, ants help increase the biodiversity of orchards, creating more balanced ecosystems.

“As well as combating pests, ants have the potential to promote regenerative agriculture, without the negative impacts of chemical pesticides,” highlights Ida Cecilie Jensen, from Aarhus University.

The Science Behind Ants

Studies have shown that ants are highly organized when it comes to hygiene, keeping "garbage dumps" out of the nest and using glands that secrete antibiotic substances.

The microorganisms present on their paws are transferred to surfaces they walk on, creating a natural barrier against pathogens.

The researchers also highlighted the economic and environmental impact of innovation.

“Around 20-40% of global agricultural production is lost due to diseases and pests,” says Joachim Offenberg, co-author of the study.

Challenges and prospects

Although promising, the practical implementation of ants in agricultural management still faces challenges, such as the need for strategies to prevent them from protecting insect pests, such as aphids.

However, solutions such as supplemental feeding and targeted biological controls are being developed.

More information can be found at doi.org/10.1007/s00248-024-02464-2