Natural Repellents as a Method of Preventing Ant Damage to Microirrigation Systems

Abstract

Ants are important because they damage agricultural equipment, including microirrigation systems. The aim of this research was to assess the efficiency of the incorporation of repellents in drip irrigation tubing as a method of protection against ant damage. Unlike previous studies, we tested a series of nontoxic compounds that are repellent to ants. First, we assessed their repellent effects on a local ant species via olfactometer trials. Then, the candidates showing the best results (cinnamon essential oil, p-anisaldehyde and ethyl anthranilate) were incorporated via compounding, injection and extrusion to polyethylene tubing to test their efficiency in the field. Field tests showed high damage levels in the control tubing containing no repellents, presumably caused by up to six different ant species (Cardiocondyla batesii, Plagiolepis pygmaea, P. schmitzii, Solenopsis sp., Tapinoma nigerrimum and Tetramorium semilaeve). In contrast, the pipes containing the three selected compounds remained almost intact, with the treatment including ethyl anthranilate showing no damage at all. These results suggest the strong repellent potential of the selected compounds, even when integrated into plastic, as well as the apparent success of the proposed methodology against the damage caused by ants. The diversity of damage-causing agents that exist in or above the soil strongly encourages further studies to determine the overall efficiency of repellents in protecting irrigation pipes.

Research Progress on the Species and Diversity of Ants and Their Three Tropisms

“…Cheng et al (2008) indicated that both the indigenous cinnamon leaf essential oil and trans-cinnamaldehyde had an excellent inhibitory effect in controlling S. invicta [51]. Moreover, the repellents of cinnamon essential oil and p-anisaldehyde showed high avoidance efficiency against six species of ants, including Cardiocondyla batesii, Plagiolepis pygmaea, P. schmitzii, Solenopsis sp., T. nigerrimum, and T. semilaeve, where the pipes of a subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) system containing the two selected compounds remained almost intact, with no damage being caused by the ants [3].…”

“…In addition, ants and humans can come into conflict in green spaces (including parks, gardens, and tourist attractions) and they can seriously interfere with the public leisure and entertainment activities of people (especially children). Ants can also damage agricultural equipment [3]. In addition, the problem of fire ants, leafcutter ants, termites, and other insects is very serious in tropical areas, causing extensive damage to crops and reforestation [4].…”

Repellent effect of two anthranilates against the tropical bed bug Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) demonstrated in laboratory assays

“…11,12 Several reports have demonstrated that EA and/or BA have excellent repellent activity against many different species of insects, such as fruit flies, 13,14 mosquitoes 11,[14][15][16] and ants. 17,18 Consequently, these two anthranilates are thought to have the potential to be used as environmentally friendly and safe insect repellents.…”

“…Butyl anthranilate (BA), which has a mild, sweet fruity floral aroma, is a nearly colorless or pale straw‐colored liquid that is often applied as a filler in perfumes, dyes and medicines 11,12 . Several reports have demonstrated that EA and/or BA have excellent repellent activity against many different species of insects, such as fruit flies, 13,14 mosquitoes 11,14–16 and ants 17,18 . Consequently, these two anthranilates are thought to have the potential to be used as environmentally friendly and safe insect repellents.…”