Scientists counsel RIFA might be managed by virus

Photograph courtesy of, and copyrighted by, Gene White, pmimages@earthlink.web

A new research means that Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) can be utilized as a pure option to management crimson imported hearth ant (Solenopsis invicta, or RIFA)  colonies.

Invasive species of fireplace ant reached North America within the Thirties from Argentina and unfold quick in southern states of the US, presently costing  $6 billion a yr in financial harm, in accordance with ZME Science. Whereas the answer to date has been pesticides, a research is now suggesting utilizing a virus to sort out the issue.

Researchers reported a sevenfold lower within the quantity and dimension of RIFA nests after being uncovered to the virus.

“We’re fairly happy that it contributes to the pure management of [red imported] hearth ants,” Dr. Steven Valles, the lead creator of the research and researcher on the U.S. Division of Agriculture, instructed The Washington Put up. “It’s vital to proceed to launch issues that may naturally management the ant to offer it extra ecological steadiness with the native ants in order that they will compete.”

The virus is of course current within the U.S., however its prevalence is low and rare.

Previous to the research, viruses have been used as biocontrol brokers in opposition to some pests, however by no means in opposition to ants. Thus far, solely SINV-3 has been confirmed within the lab to trigger mortality at a degree adequate sufficient to behave as a biocontrol agent in opposition to hearth ants.

Researchers centered solely on RIFA, which occupies 150 million hectares from Florida to California and is answerable for damages to crops and livestock. The virus was efficient at clearing out the RIFA, in accordance with the research.

Would you attempt to use the SINV-3 virus as a option to management RIFA colonies? Inform us in an e-mail at pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.web.