Inhibition of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus with Carica papaya: an alternative to control the leaf-cutter ant Acromyrmex octospinosus

Tatiana Lobo-Echeverri, Víctor Manuel Galindo, Pilar Aubad, Adriana Ortiz-Reyes, Lina Maria Preciado, Mauricio Sánchez, James Jiménez, Olivier P. Thomas

Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer)Articlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The symbiotic association of the leaf-cutter ants with the fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus implies that the negative impact on the fungi will affect the survival of the ants. After a promising antifungal bioactivity, Carica papaya was studied leading to the bioassay-guided isolation of squalene, 4,5-dihydrohumulen, the flavanol-glycosides quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin, and the alkaloid carpaine. Carpaine and squalene were found to have a moderate individual activity, which increased when evaluated together. Based on the presence of these compounds, standardized extracts were formulated for field tests on nests of Acromyrmex octospinosus. All the nests treated were negatively affected evidencing a promising lead for the integrated management of leaf-cutter ants.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)201-214
Number of pages14
JournalInternational Journal of Pest Management
Volume66
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jul 2020

Keywords

  • Acromyrmex octospinosus
  • Carica papaya
  • Leucoagaricus gongylophorus
  • antifungal activity
  • field assays

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