Avaliação da atratividade de iscas naturais à base de nim e de gergelim para saúva-do-Nordeste (Atta opaciceps)

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Agriculture occupies vast land areas and causes significant environmental changes, such as soil degradation, contamination by heavy metals and pesticides, and the compromise of aquifers. The epidemic proliferation of insects reflects the imbalance within agroecosystems, associated with biodiversity loss and soil impoverishment. In Brazil, leafcutter ants (Atta spp.) are highly impactful agricultural pests, especially in forest crops. Their primary control method is chemical-based, which harms environmental health, leaves toxic residues, causes ecological disturbances, and involves high costs with only temporary effectiveness. Given this context, this study aimed to evaluate the attractiveness of simple natural bait formulations composed of whole wheat flour and water, with the addition of neem oil (Azadirachta indica), ground sesame (Sesamum indicum), and a combination of both, compared to a control bait (without additives), targeting workers of the Northeastern Leafcutter Ant (Atta opaciceps) as a preliminary strategy for sustainable management. Four treatments (Neem, Sesame, Neem + Sesame, and Control) were tested using 4 bait stations per nest, over 4 days, in 4 distinct nests. Data were analyzed using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and statistical analysis revealed significant differences between treatments and blocks. The control bait was the most attractive, with an average consumption of 76.4%, followed by sesame bait (68%), Neem + Sesame (48.3%), and Neem alone (42.7%). Although the addition of plant-based compounds reduced attractiveness compared to the control, consumption remained considerable, particularly with sesame, which stood out as a promising alternative. While the tested baits demonstrate potential for the alternative management of leafcutter ants, further studies are recommended with varying concentrations, longer observation periods, and validation under natural conditions, aiming to optimize the use of plant-based compounds in the sustainable control of Atta opaciceps in Northeastern Brazil.

Keywords: leafcutter ants, plant extracts, environment, sustainability.