Clemson University Public Service Activities (PSA) requested an investment of 1
million dollars, a 5 year $200,000 annual commitment from the South Carolina
General Assembly during 1998 for research and technology transfer in the area of
"Imported Fire Biology and Management". The primary objective of the initiative
is to utilize an integrated systems approach to understanding and managing the
rapid spread and impact of the imported fire ant in South Carolina. This approach
will directly address the problems associated with increasing numbers and range
of imported fire ant as well as other environmental issues affecting agriculture and
forestry. These programs will be driven by research and extension scientist to
achieve environmentally and socially acceptable management strategies.
Funding was initiated in FY 99 and Clemson University's PSA Office supported
twelve programs during FY 99. The South Carolina General Assembly continued
the second year of funding in FY 2000 and the following programs have been
funded.
This study documents the distribution of the RIFA over various grassland systems (e.g., pastures,
recreational areas, turf) in South Carolina and identifies those factors that explain this
distribution. The ultimate goal is to predict both current population levels, as well as the future
likelihood and severity of RIFA infestations into new sites, using on-site habitat characters. By
coupling this predictive ability with information available from GIS (Geographic Information
Systems) databases and associated software (e.g., Arc Info) we can construct risk-management
maps for the state which will be an invaluable tool for a proactive site-infestation prevention
program. Understanding the factors that determine site selection of RIFA colonies will be a key
element in reducing existing populations by both precision pesticide applications and the
development of new cultural and land management practices. The latter method may also prevent
the establishment of new populations.
Investigators: P. H. Adler, J. W. McCreadie, C. R. Allen, J. D. Culin, P. M. Horton, C. S.
Gorsuch, and F. J. Wolak.
Funding Level: $14,225.
This study incorporates multiple study sites throughout SC.
Fire ants negatively affect many vertebrate and invertebrate species, some of which are
responsible for maintaining important ecological processes. For example, the processes of
pollination, herbivory, and seed dispersal are critical in maintaining ecosystems. Fire ants
displace native ants and feed on lepidoptera larvae. When red imported fire ants displace native
species they may not replace the functions that those species perform. By investigating fire ant
impacts on ecological processes in the laboratory as well as in the context of an on-going
large-scale experimental manipulation, we expect to gain insight into community and
ecosystem-level impacts by this keystone non-native species.
Investigators: C. R. Allen, P. M. Horton, T. P. Spiraand D. P. Wojcik.
Funding Level: $20,150.
This research involves laboratory and field-study sites in Allendale, Charleston, Colleton, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, Laurens, Orangeburg, Pickens, and Williamsburg Counties.
There are four goals for this research project. 1) The development of a risk assessment modelthat predicts threatened and endangered species most at risk to fire ant impacts because of
co-occurrence at the landscape scale, 2) development of a model that predicts fire ant distribution
at the landscape scale. These first two goals will be met with extensive sampling in conjunction
with modeling and spatial analysis. The third and fourth goals will be met by linking tightly with
other projects: 3) we will provide data to the South Carolina Gap Analysis Program for the first
statewide GIS coverage of ant diversity based on field data collection, and 4) this research will
provide data to a companion proposal (McCreadie et al. "Predicting population levels of the red
imported fire ant using habitat characteristics at multiple scales") and provide the data necessary
to determine how fire ant density and distribution varies with scale.
Investigators: C. R. Allen, P. M. Horton, J. McCreadie, D. P. Wojcik, D. Otis, and E. Schmidt.
Funding Level: $23,120.
This study is being conducted in all 46 SC counties.
Red imported fire ant impacts on native biota remain poorly documented, especially for vertebrates. The northern bobwhite is an economically and ecologically important species that is declining across its entire North American range, including South Carolina. Fire ants were first identified as a mortality source for bobwhite soon after fire ants were introduced to the United States in the 1930's. However, fire ant impacts on bobwhite remain controversial and largely unknown. Only one manipulative study has been conducted concerning fire ant impacts on bobwhite. We will investigate the impact of fire ants on northern bobwhite by combining empirical analysis of historic bobwhite population trends with field manipulations assessing the impact of fire ant population reductions on bobwhite populations and insect availability.
Investigators: C. R. Allen, P. M. Horton, and D. P. Wojcik.
Funding Level: $23,120.
This research involves study sites on 10 South Carolina plantations in Allendale, Hampton, Jasper, Charleston, Colleton, Georgetown, Orangeburg, Williamsburg, and Laurens Counties.
Funding Level: $18,000.
Investigators: Timothy S. Davis P.I., Ellen Strother, Birdie Crosby, Bruce Johnson, Gary Forrester, Carlyn Munnerlyn, Trish Dehond, Kathryn White, Howard Hiller, Paul Thompson, Wallace Wood, Marion Barnes, Marty Watt, Mac Horton, Clyde Gorsuch.
Funding Level: $34,500
Investigators: Paul M. Horton, Clyde Gorsuch-Clemson Investigators cooperating with Richard Brenner,
David Williams, David Oi, Sanford Porter of USDA/ARS/CMAVE, Gainesville, Florida.
Funding Level: $15,120
Investigators: J. Jeffery Isely and Craig R.Allen.
Study Site: Clemson University.
Studies are being conducted on a split-landscape agroecology field at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center in Florence. Half of this field is being grown using standard agronomic practices. The other half is being grown using innovative agronomic practices, including reduced tillage and narrow row spacing. Red imported fire ant (RIFA) colonies are being mapped out, over time, showing the number and distribution of mounds under the different cropping practices. Probes are also being used to determine mound size and depth under the varying conditions.
Funding Level: $3,000
Investigators: Donald G. Manley, and Warren J. Busscher.
The proposed research will estimate the economic impact of the red imported fire ant (RIFA) on
South Carolina's businesses and institutions. Pest control firms and applicators, and selected
businesses and institutions will be surveyed in order to estimate RIFA-related expenditures by
the state's industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. The survey data will be used as input
for an economic impact model that will be used to estimate the total industrial-, commercial-, and
institutional-related impacts of the RIFA on state and sub-state income, sales, and employment.
Funding Level: $21,200.
Investigators: Steve Miller, Mark Henry, Brenda Vander Mey, and Paul M. Horton.
Statewide data survey
The length of time between the initial allergic reaction to IFA venom and the initiation of immunotherapy to desensitize the patient to IFA venom is critical. One sequela of IFA stings is the risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis. About 1% of IFA sting victims are at risk. An estimated 176 South Carolinians were treated for IFA-induced anaphylaxis in 1998 and 355 patients were referred to allergist for immunotherapy.
We intend to survey all allergist in South Carolina to determine the time interval from onset of allergic reaction to IFA venom to the begining of immunotherapy of patients for desensitization and compare the results with the 1990 study conducted by the Agromedicine Program.
Investigator: Stanley H. Schuman, M.D.
Funding Level: $1,782
The proposed project will conduct a training and demonstration test for commercial horticulture
professionals (CHP) to show the effectiveness of the "Two-Step" method of fire ant control.
Commercial horticulture professionals will learn what bait materials are available, how to apply
them correctly, and how to monitor their effectiveness. They will be asked to use the material on
one residential location, inform the homeowner of the project with the help of a fact sheet, and
monitor the results. If it is allowed, a sign may be placed in the front lawn denoting the
demonstration. CHP will follow specific guidelines developed by the team and report results of
the demonstration. Results will be summarized and reported to all participants. We expect the
results to be positive and the practice adopted by all participants.
Investigators:Carlin Munnerlyn, Dr. Clyde Gorsuch, Gary Forrester, Bruce Johnson, Russell
Duncan, Debbie Mann, Ruth Durant, and Dexter Foxworth.
Funding Level: $3,900.
Training will be conducted in Georgetown, Marion and Horry Counties.
This project will conduct control application demonstrations and educational programs for governmental entities in fire ant management at recreational facilities and also share program information with participants of these facilities.
Investigators: Bruce C. Johnson, Clyde S. Gorsuch, Carlin Munnerlyn, Russall Duncan
Funding Level: $ 1,750
Project to be conducted in Georgetown, Horry, and Marion Counties.
This project will conduct cooperative control application demonstrations with homeowners, school grounds superintendents, and golf course superintendents in fire ant management. Demonstrations will include the use of Amdro, Award, Logic, Orthene, and Diazinon products in the two step application method (bait and individual mount treatment).
Investigator: Kent Williams
Funding Level: $ 7,060
Project to be conducted in Dillon, and Marlboro Counties.
This study will assess the role of the IFA as a predator in selected vegetable crops: collards, cowpea, tomato, and peppers using autoradiography and P32 labeled prey items.
Investigator: Gloria McCutcheon
Funding Level: $ 19,630
Project to be conducted in Charleston County.
Granular insecticides used for IFA control will be selected based on whether or not the compounds are also used against termites. Granular formulations of chlorpyrifos, carbaryl, fipronyl, and a pyrethroid will be applied to plots according to label directions for fire ant control. Nine termite bait/monitoring stations will be installed in each plot to assess termite activety. The stations used will be those available for the Sentricon Colony Elimination System ®. Three replications and untreated control plots will be included in the study. Termite activity and severity of feeding damage to wood in monitors will be assessed monthly for twelve to eighteen months. Damage ratings will be based on standards established by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM1986)
Investigator: Parricia A. Zungoli, Eric P. Benson, and Paul M. Horton
Funding Level: $ 6,000
Project to be conducted in Richland County.