Low-toxicity baits control ants in citrus orchards and grape vineyards

Grape Detection in Vineyards

Toxicity of fruit fly baits to beneficial insects in citrus.

Two fruit fly baits, Nu-Lure/malathion and GF-120 (Spinosad) were evaluated in the laboratory for non-target impacts on beneficial insects. Nu-Lure/malathion proved attractive and toxic to adults and larvae of the coccinellid species, Curinus coeruleus Mulsant, Cycloneda sanguinea L. and Harmonia axyridis Pallas, a lacewing species, Chrysoperla rufilabris Burmeister. The coccinellids Olla v-nig...

Food Preference and Foraging Activity of Ants: Recommendations for Field Applications of Low-Toxicity Baits

Control of ants using baits of low toxicity cannot be effective without knowledge of bait distribution patterns and bait station densities, which are determined by ants' foraging activities. Furthermore, the success of toxic baits also depends upon attractiveness of bait carriers. Here, we assessed ground and vine foraging activity and food preferences for the three ant species ( Linepithema hu...

Low-Toxic Control of Argentine Ants Using Pheromone-Enhanced Liquid Baits

Are Barn Owls A Biological Control for Gophers? Evaluating Effectiveness in Vineyards and Orchards

Several rodent species cause damage in vineyards and orchards. Current efforts to reduce chemicals used to control rodents are encouraging development of alternative practices, such as biological control. For several years growers in California have been installing artificial owl nest boxes to attract barn owls with the hope of reducing rodents, especially gophers, through predation. Effectiven...