FY1999
Imported Fire Ant Research Projects
in South Carolina





Red Imported Fire Ant Impacts on Northern Bobwhite Populations and Insect Resources (1771).

This study is designed to examine imported fire ant impacts on native biota. Northern bobwhite are an economically and ecologically important species that is declining across its entire range, especially South Carolina. Bobwhite are potentially vulnerable to both indirect and direct fire ant impacts, including predation, competition for invertebrate food sources, irritation affecting feeding and resting behavior, disruption of seed availability and the effects of non-lethal envenomization (reduced survival and weight gain).
Investigators: C. R. Allen, P. M. Horton, and D. P. Wojcik.
Funding Level: $30,650.
This research involves study sites on 10 South Carolina plantations in Allendale, Hampton, Jasper, Charleston, Colleton, Georgetown, Orangeburg, Williamsburg, and Laurens Counties.
FINAL REPORT


Landscape Predictors of Fire Ant Occurrence and Spatial Risk Assessment of Endangered Species From Fire Ants (1770).

This project conducts a state-wide risk assessment of threatened and endangered species to fire ant impacts by investigating the spatial co-occurrence of fire ants and endangered species. This project also investigates landscape level predictors of fire ant distribution at the state level. Additionally, the data from this research will be provided to two other projects. One, a state-wide GIS coverage of ant diversity (the SC Gap Analysis Project) - the first in a national effort to map ant diversity. Second, this project also complements an investigation of scale effects on the prediction of fire ant populations.
Investigators: C. R. Allen, P. M. Horton, J. McCreadie, D. P. Wojcik, D. Otis, and E. Schmidt.
Funding Level: $17,110.
This study is being conducted in all 46 SC counties.
FINAL REPORT

Effects of Contaminants on Bait Palatability to the Red Imported Fire Ant (1772).

This project will research the effects of possible contaminants on fire ant bait palatability to the red imported fire ant. Three fire ant baits and potential contaminants to three baits will be analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) for baseline data on volatility. Products determined by GC analysis to be most volatile and likely absorbed by baits will be selected for field trials. In the field trials, the three bait products exposed to contaminants will be evaluated for bait acceptance by RIFAs, close to their mounds.
Investigators: Eric P. Benson, Patricia A. Zungoli and Melissa B. Riley, Departments of Entomology and Plant Pathology & Physiology, Clemson University.
Funding Level: $8,300
FINAL REPORT

Fire ant control demonstration (1773)

The Imported Fire Ant Management Demonstration is designed to increase the knowledge of pesticide distributors, agricultural chemical applicators, Master Gardeners, Recreational Greenskeepers, and property owners about effective, environmentally sound, Imported Fire Ant management methods. At the same time, the implementation of recommended management measures will reduce the amount of pesticide released into the environment, greater levels of control will be obtained, and customer satisfaction will be increased.
Funding Level: $23,709.
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.
FINAL REPORT


Biology and Management of Imported Fire Ants: Videotape (1774).

In the process of attempting IFA control, environmental damage will occur through the improper use of registered materials and through the illegal use of unregistered control methods. This project is developing an in-depth 20+ minute educational video tape showing important facets of the biology and behavior of imported fire ants, the proper selection and use of controls, and the protection of the environment. A short (5 minute) video tape covering proper management techniques will be produced for use in garden centers, etc. Both video tapes will be made available to all Extension Offices, Master Gardener Programs, and other outlets expressing interest. The longer video tape will also award Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits.
Funding Level: $4,000.
Investigators: C. S. Gorsuch and R. G. Bellinger.
FINAL REPORT


Impact of Nitrogen Fertilization on the Imported Fire Ant
in Bermudagrass Hay Fields (1775).

This project is examining the potential affect of nitrogen-based fertilizer applications on fire ant colonies. If some or all nitrogen fertilizers have an economically viable impact on fire ant populations then proper fertilization practices could enhance fire ant management.
Funding Level: $5,225.
Investigators: R. P. Griffin and B. W. Pinkerton.
Study Site: Colleton County.
FINAL REPORT


Applying Red Imported Fire Ant Baits as Part of No-Till Seeding Operations (1776).

Red imported fire ants (RIFA) are becoming an increasing problem in pastures and hay fields in the Piedmont of SC. The RIFA decreases field and quality of forages in infested areas, pose significant risks to humans and livestock, and damage planting and harvesting machinery. In addition, the RIFA can be spread from field to field on machinery or harvested forage.
Funding Level: $1,725.
Investigators: Joseph S. Guthrie and David Parker.
Study Sites: Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties.
UPDATE


Liaison, Coordination, Development, Expansion, and Enhancement
of the Imported Fire Ant
Research and Extension Program in South Carolina (1778).

The imported fire ant (IFA) is a non-native, invasive, insect species having no naturally occurring enemies or control agents in North America. It has become an important medical, social, agricultural and economic pest in every environment and county in South Carolina. Current practical management technology is limited primarily to chemical control. Environmentally-friendly management decisions can only be made based upon sound knowledge of the economic, ecological, social, and biological components of this insect. The South Carolina Legislature specifically stated their intent for us to link the resources provided by their 1998 PSA funding with the USDA/ARS and the other states in the Southern Legislative Conference Imported Fire Ant Task Force Initiative (SLC TF), as full partners.
Funding Level: $24,500
Investigators: Paul M. Horton, Clyde Gorsuch-Clemson Investigators cooperating with Richard Brenner, David Williams, David Oi, Sanford Porter of USDA/ARS/CMAVE, Gainesville, Florida.
FINAL REPORT


Red Imported Fire Ants and Growth and Survival of Yellowfin Shiner (1779).

The red imported fire ant (RIFA) has been identified as the causative factor in fish kills throughout the southeast. In addition to direct effects on survival, the RIFA also may indirectly affect fish populations by impacting feeding behavior resulting in reduced growth.
Funding Level: $15,020.
Investigators: J. Jeffery Isely and Craig R.Allen.
Study Site: Clemson University.
FINAL REPORT

Evaluation of Homeowner Options for Control of Imported Fire Ants (1780).

Fire ants are a major pest concern of homeowners in South Carolina, and most homeowners are not pleased with the degree of control they are getting with insecticides. Most homeowners consider drenches and broadcast baits and sprays over large areas to be too much trouble. They would welcome any fire ant control methods that would be easier for them to apply.
Funding level: $3,500.
Investigators: Albert W. Johnson, Bruce C. Johnson,
FINAL REPORT


Distribution and Mound Size of Red Imported Fire Ant Under Varying Cropping Practices (1781).

Large fire ant mounds present a major problem to growers. Although the fire ants are beneficial with respect to their predatory capabilities, when farm machinery hits large mounds, considerable damage may result. Although it is known that soil type, cultivation, and vegetative cover influences both mound size and distribution, few specifics are known. The overall objective of this study will be to determine some of these specific influences.
Funding Level: $9,400.
Investigators: Donald G. Manley, Warren Busscher, John Hayes.
Study Site: Pee Dee R.E.C., Florence, SC.
FINAL REPORT


Predicting Populations of the Red Imported Fire Ant (IFA) Using Habitat Characteristics at Multiple Scales (1782).

Although the distribution of the IFA is correlated with factors such as disturbance, water table depth, soil coarseness and the presence of ponds, little is known about the factors that control habitat selection. We propose to document the distribution of the IFA over various grassland systems (e.g. pastures, recreational areas, turf) in South Carolina and identify those factors that explain this distribution.
Funding Level: $27,150.
Investigators: J. W. McCreadie, C. R. Allen, J. D. Culin, P. M. Horton, C. S. Gorsuch, and F. J. Wolak.
Multiple study sites throughout SC.
FINAL REPORT


The Economic Impacts of Fire Ant Infestations in South Carolina: Household Sector (1783).

The objectives of the proposed research are: to estimate SC household direct expenditures on RIFA control and remediation; to estimate SC households' willingness to pay for RIFA control; and to estimate the total household-related impacts of RIFA on state and sub-state income, sales, and employment for SC.
Funding Level: $23,500.
Investigators: Steve Miller and Mark Henry (Agricultural and Applied Economics), Brenda Vander Mey (Sociology), and Paul M. Horton (Entomology), Clemson University.
Statewide Data.
FINAL REPORT


State Program Coordination and Chemical and Biological Management of the Imported Fire Ant.

During 1998 we established SLCTF state/federal demonstration and research studies of candidate biocontrol agents. We are coordinating 26 demonstration programs throughout SC showing proper management techniques using currently labeled materials. A state-wide extension inservice training program was held January 15, 1999 in Columbia. Clemson hosted the National Imported Fire Ant Research and Extension Conference March 4-5, 1999 in Charleston.
Funding Level: $50,000.
Investigators: Paul M. Horton, Clyde S. Gorsuch, and Tim Davis. Twenty county/state/federal agents/scientists from Clemson and the USDA ARS APHIS (SC, FL and MS) will be cooperating with this program.
Demonstration Sites: Abbeville, Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Darlington, Georgetown, Greenville, Greenwood, Lancaster, Richland, Horry, Marion, McCormick, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, and Sumter Counties.
FINAL REPORT


Impact of Fire Ant Sting Morbidity in South Carolina, 1998 (1784).

The Agromedicine Program of MUSC is surveying all primary care physicians in South Carolina to determine IFA morbidity and mortality patterns. Results of the current study will be compared with prior studies to document the spread of IFA through South Carolina and the impact IFA has on our citizens. Preliminary data show that the rate for IFA stings in SC increased 34% from 1986 to 1998.
Funding Level: $5,011.
Investigators: Stanley H. Schuman and Samuel T. Caldwell, Agromedicine Program, MUSC.
Survey in all 46 counties of SC.
FINAL REPORT