Ants may be more effective at helping farmers than pesticides, according to the latest international research with Spanish participation. The first systematic study of ants’ contribution to crop production shows these insects can better control pests, reduce plant damage, and boost yields.
Ants are generalist predators that feed on pests damaging crops, affecting fruits, seeds, and leaves. The study found that greater ant diversity generally offers protection against a wider range of pests, leading to healthier crops and higher yields.
The research examined 17 crops, including citrus fruits, mangoes, apples, and soybeans, across the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Researchers concluded that with proper management ants can be beneficial for pest control and yield enhancement. Some ant species exhibited efficacy comparable to or greater than pesticides, at a lower cost. This finding appears in the published Proceedings of the Royal Society B. [Citation: Royal Society B 2022]
There are many different types of ants. They are pictured in various habitats and settings, as noted by image sources. [Citation: Pixabay]
In Brazil, researchers observed 26 ant species, mostly tree ants nesting in plants or on the ground and often climbing plants. They found ants perform better in diversified farming systems such as agroforestry, where trees and crops share the land, and in shaded crops that provide more nesting sites and food sources.
Lead researcher Dr Diego Anjos of the Federal University of Uberlândia explained that the work encourages farmers to adopt more sustainable practices. Biological control and the shading effects provided by ants can naturally integrate into agricultural systems. [Citation: Guardian report on the study]
molasses problem
However, using ants in farming must be done correctly. Ants can accompany pests like mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies that excrete a sugary honeydew called molasses, which can be problematic when ants are nearby. Ants often “farm” aphids, feeding on the honeydew while protecting the pests from predators.
On the other hand, researchers argue that eco friendly management practices, such as providing alternate sugar sources in the soil near trees or branches, can disrupt this relationship. This diversion can reduce the number of non nectar producing pests such as caterpillars while maintaining beneficial pest suppression.
Plantation under threat from pests is commonly used to illustrate the challenges and benefits of biological management strategies.
The document analyzes most of the insect pest species considered worldwide, covering 30 species across 52 studies. The data come from studies comparing ants and plant groups with other control methods, clearly showing ants’ influence on observed changes in pest dynamics.
Ants are the most numerous insects on the planet, making up a large share of insect biomass. With at least 14,000 known species and many more likely undiscovered, ants have a long history in agriculture across the globe. They have been utilized by citrus growers in China, to manage forest pests in Canada, cocoa pests in Ghana, and other crop pests in Nigeria.
Research published in Nature notes that ants on the Pacific islands of Fiji can maintain mutual relationships with multiple plant species dating back about 3 million years.
From the Pringle Laboratory at the University of Nevada, Dr. Patrick Milligan described the findings as encouraging and unsurprising, noting that the work provides a clear picture of the benefits ants bring to ecological and agricultural systems.
“Stay away from pesticides”
This option lies within the farming toolkit and can help agriculture reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. While pesticides may harm beneficial insect communities, moving toward biological controls can still boost yields.
Professor Adam Hart of the University of Gloucestershire, who did not participate in the research, agrees that ants play a significant role as pest controllers. Yet he cautions that the story is nuanced and depends on the specific ants and farming systems involved.
It may be profitable to move ant colonies into growing areas and encourage their presence, but careful selection is essential. Not all ants or farming systems respond the same way, and costs and benefits must be weighed. The key takeaway is a deeper understanding of how small interactions between ants, pests, and other organisms shape crop outcomes.
The overarching message is clear: to farm better, more attention must be paid to these micro interactions and to how environmental changes support beneficial insect activity.
Reference work: httpsroyalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2022.1316
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Environment department notes may be shared for context, but the focus remains on practical farming strategies and ecological understanding.