Synthesis, Attractiveness and Effectiveness of Chitosan-Tapioca Encapsulates in Atta Sexdens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Author(s)

Gustani, Flavia Maria ^[1] ; Silva, Tiago Almeida ^[2] ; Camargo, Jessica Rocha ^[1] ; de Souza Carvalho, Jefferson Henrique ^[1] ; Janegitz, Bruno Campos ^[1] ; Fujihara, Ricardo Toshio ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos UFSCar, Dept Nat Sci Math & Educ, BR-13600970 Araras, SP - Brazil

^[2] Fed Ctr Technol Educ Minas Gerais, Dept Met & Chem, BR-35180008 Timoteo, MG - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT; v. 29, n. 9, p. 2869-2880, SEP 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Leaf-cutting ants (genera Atta and Acromyrmex) are defoliation pests of great agronomic importance. Currently, the most effective control method is chemical using granulated baits containing sulfluramid as a standard active ingredient. In this work, a new protocol was proposed for the synthesis of the encapsulates with chitosan, tapioca, citrus pulp and sulfluramid. A sulfluramid is a pesticide which is used extensively in Brazil for management of leaf cutting ants. The main focus of this work is to use a polymeric combination aligned with the active ingredient that allows the formation of an encapsulated which the ants can transport and incorporate to their nests, being an effective methodology for the death of colonies. The encapsulated makes the active ingredient less available to the environment, but maintains the mortality level similar to the used granulated baits. For this reason, it was proposed to develop a chitosan and tapioca encapsulated for the control of leaf-cutting ants.The presence of sulfluramid in the encapsulated was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The behavioral acts related to the transport and the incorporation of leaf disks and encapsulates were observed utilizing A. sexdens colonies. The encapsulates containing sulfluramid have presented a similar intoxication of A. sexdens workers causing mortality in the same proportion as the commercial baits. The protocol for the synthesis of the encapsulates can be utilized with other substances, as entomopathogenic and parasite microorganisms. Graphic (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/21097-3 - Bee-agriculture interactions: perspectives to sustainable use
• Grantee: Osmar Malaspina
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/23177-0 - Development of disposable devices with conductive inks and low cost substrates for the biosensing of hormonal dysfunctions and detection of Malaria
• Grantee: Jéssica Rocha Camargo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)