Detection of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests using spectral data

Authors

  • W. B. Wu Key Laboratory of Key Technology for South Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
  • T. S. Hong Key Laboratory of Key Technology for South Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
  • L. Zeng Red Imported Fire Ant Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
  • Y. J. Xu Red Imported Fire Ant Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
  • D. L. Huang Key Laboratory of Key Technology for South Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
  • J. M. Chileshe Key Laboratory of Key Technology for South Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
  • J. T. Chen Key Laboratory of Key Technology for South Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
  • C. D . Yi Key Laboratory of Key Technology for South Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
  • X. Y. Liu Key Laboratory of Key Technology for South Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
  • D. H. Lu Key Laboratory of Key Technology for South Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China

Keywords:

control, dispersal monitoring, red imported fire ant, reflectance spectra, soil moisture

Abstract

Rapid detection of red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren; Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests is important in assessing the control efforts and for monitoring dispersal of this pest. In this study, spectroscopic techniques were employed to characterize the reflectance spectra of fire ant nest soil and the areas surrounding the nests. The results showed significant differences between nest soil, grass, and bare soil not disturbed by fire ant at the 680 nm wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum. The reflectance of nest soil was 10% to 15% lower than that of the surrounding non-nest bare soil at wavelengths of 780 to 1000 nm. Furthermore, the reflectance of nest soil was significantly correlated with soil water content (R2 = 0.962).

 

La detección rápida de los nidos de la hormiga de fuego roja importada (Solenopsis invicta Buren; Hymenoptera: Formicidae) es importante en el monitoreo del control y dispersión de esta plaga. En este estudio, se utilizó la técnica espectroscópica en los nidos de la hormiga de fuego para detectar el espectro del reflejo enl suelo de los nidos y su alrededor. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas entre el suelo de los nidos, la grama, y de los nidos de otras especies de hormigas en suelo estéril a los 680 nm de longitud de onda del espectro electromagnético. El reflejo del suelo de los nidos fue del 10% a 15% menor que el suelo estéril alrededor del nido a longitudes de onda de 780-1000 nm. Además, el reflejo del suelo del nido fue significativamente correlacionado con el contenido de agua del suelo (R2 = 0.962).

 

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Issue

Vol. 97, No. 3 (September 2014)

Section

Research Papers

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