ANTS (HYMENOPTERA, FORMICIDAE) AS NATURAL CONTROL AGENTS OF PESTS IN IRRIGATED MAIZE IN NICARAGUA

The effect of the natural ant community as a possible source of biological control for the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and the corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (De Long & Wolcott), was examined in irrigated maize, Zea mays L., in the Pacific plains of Nicaragua. By means of poison baits, ant-foraging activity was reduced in plots planted with maize and compared with control plots. Ants were found to significantly reduce fall armyworm and corn leafhopper abundance as well as damage by the fall armyworm to maize plants. The results are discussed in relation to establishing economic injury levels for the fall armyworm in irrigated maize and the possibility of incorporating ants as a component of an integrated pest management program on maize in Nicaragua.