Issue 14, 2025

Alginate–kaolinite beads: new bait for controlling leaf-cutting ants

Abstract

Leaf-cutting ants present a significant challenge in tropical countries. Currently, these insects are often controlled using chemical granular baits. While these granules are cost-effective, they have notable drawbacks, particularly their low resistance to humidity. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new formulations that offer improved environmental resilience, gradual release of the active chemical, and effective ant-killing capabilities. This study aimed to create new baits in bead form specifically designed to control leaf-cutting ants (Atta sexdens). The beads were produced through the interaction of organic and inorganic materials, using a mixture of an alginate polymer, clay, sodium tetraborate, Beauveria bassiana spores, and chlorpyrifos. Results from experiments on boron leaching in soil columns indicated that in some cases, 100% of boron leached out after 15 days. Laboratory and field bioassays demonstrated that the beads were attractive and effective in controlling ants. Composites of alginate–kaolinite beads with agrochemicals demonstrated potential as an effective bait option for controlling A. sexdens, performing significant ant-killing results. Composites of alginate–kaolinite beads with agrochemicals demonstrated potential as an effective bait option for controlling A. sexdens, yielding significant ant-killing effects.

Graphical abstract: Alginate–kaolinite beads: new bait for controlling leaf-cutting ants

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
04 Oct 2024
Accepted
04 Mar 2025
First published
06 Mar 2025

New J. Chem., 2025,49, 5920-5930

Alginate–kaolinite beads: new bait for controlling leaf-cutting ants

V. G. D. O. Duarte, V. D. S. A. Leite, D. A. D. C. Nobre, R. C. D. Silva, V. R. L. Constantino, G. F. D. Castro, F. L. Fernandes and J. Tronto, New J. Chem., 2025, 49, 5920 DOI: 10.1039/D4NJ04337E

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements