Abstract
The economic importance of the Formicidae (ants) in agriculture is mainly due to their interactions with honeydew-producing Hemipterans, which reduce the abundance of beneficial arthropods in the canopies, thus hindering the biological control of pests. Argentine ant [Linepithema humile (Mayr, 1868)] and native ants (of the genera Camponotus, Formica, Lasius, Pheidole, Plagiolepis, Tapinoma, Tetramorium) are the most common ant species that aggressively protect and attend Hemipterans in the Mediterranean Region. Although many ants occur in citrus groves, very few species directly damage the plants. A brief review of the important species and guidelines for their management in citrus groves are presented.
Keywords: Citriculture, Mediterranean Region, citrus ants, bio-ecology, damage, control
Related Books
Agricultural and Food Biotechnologies of Olea europaea and Stone Fruits
Agricultural Benefits of Postharvest Banana Plants
Brassinosteroids: Practical Applications in Agriculture and Human Health
Emerging Technologies in Agriculture and Food Science
Micronutrient Deficiency in Soils and Plants
More Food: Road to Survival
Natural Feed Additives Used in the Poultry Industry
Nondestructive Evaluation of Agro-products by Intelligent Sensing Techniques
Practical Notions on Fish Health and Production
Research Topics in Agricultural and Applied Economics