Damage and foraging preference of leaf cutter antes on willow crops

Abstract

Damage due to the leaf cutter ants on willow crops has caused losses on yields and on quality of sticks
used for handcrafting, because it induce lateral branches. This research had the objective to find the critical stage for losses and mortality of Salix viminalis due to leaf cutter ants, Acromyrmex spp., and the preference of ant to foraging willow clones. Field essays were conducted on willow crops planted in Lambedor community, Lages, SC,
during 2003 and 2005 crop seasons. Results showed that Salix viminalis was susceptible to leaf cutter ant
Acromyrmex spp. during all crop cycle, with the potential to cause mortality up to 20% of plants until 3 months after planting. High preference for ant foraging was for the clones EEL_01 and EEL_52 (S. viminalis), EEL_23 (Salix x rubens) and EEL_62 (Salix triandra), which are used for handcrafting. Less preference was observed for clones EEL_49 (Salix matsudana-tortuosa), and EEL_11 (Salix caprea), ornamentals genotype and EEL_10 (Salix
nigra) used for wood.