ATHENS A unique study conducted by University of Georgia entomologists led to the discovery of a distinctive supergene in fire ant colonies that determines whether young queen ants will leave their birth colony to start their own new colony or if they will join one with multiple queens. Researchers also found that ants were more aggressive toward queens who dont possess the supergene, causing colony workers to kill them. This critical finding opens the door to new pest control methods that may be more efficient in eradicating problematic fire ant colonies.
Learning about the way fire ants behave is very important baseline information, Ken Ross, a long-time professor of entomology at the university, said. This information is key to helping us manage pest populations and predict what dissimilarities can happen in their environment.
A supergene is a collection of neighboring genes located on a chromosome that are inherited together due to close genetic linkage. Studying these unique genes is important to understanding the potential causes for differences among the social structure of fire ants, specifically for controlling the species and building upon the existing knowledge base.
Researchers focused on young queen fire ants embarking on nuptial flights. They compared the supergenes impact on the fire ants two primary types of social structures: monogyne, which is reproduction from queens that form a new nest, and pologyne, reproduction from queens that join an existing nest.
Ross initially worked alongside colleagues in his lab to discover a remarkable example of genetically encoded differences in social organization within the fire ant species Solenopsis invicta. The next step was to understand how these genetic differences result in complex behavioral and physiological variations among ants from single queen colonies versus colonies with multiple queens. Compounding this knowledge helps scientists further understand patterns of development in the species, increasing alternatives to combat invasive populations.
Led by a pair of UGA entomology graduate alumni, Joanie King, who earned her masters degree in 2017, and Samuel Arsenault, who earned his doctoral degree in 2020, the team developed an experimental design that utilized a collection of samples from two fire ant organs brain and ovarian tissues and the complete range of social chromosome genotypes and social forms within this fire ant species.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
The innovative study incorporated various scientific methods, leading to a collaboration of tools and resources throughout many different areas of the institution.
UGA was a very supportive environment to conduct this research, Brendan Hunt, associate professor of entomology, said. We received help preparing samples for RNA-sequencing from Dr. Bob Schmitzs lab in the genetics department, performed the sequencing at the Georgia Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, and utilized computational resources from the Georgia Advanced Computing Resource Center to analyze the data.
These types of student-led projects give young researchers the chance to grow in a hands-on environment with mentorship and guidance from scientists with proven track records in the field.
The graduate students gained experience that helped them transition to the next stages of their careers, Hunt said. Both have gone on to continue their studies of ant genetics.
After earning their degrees and completing the research at UGA, King began pursuing a doctorate at Texas A&M University to study alongside Edward Vargo, and Arsenault works as a post-doctoral researcher with Harvard Universitys Buck Trible Lab.
To read the full published research, check out the Wiley Online Library digital archive. For more information on the UGA department of entomology, visit ent.uga.edu.
See the article here:
Discovery of 'supergene' in fire ants could help with pest control - The Albany Herald
- Greenix Steps Up in the Fight Against Lyme Disease This Awareness Month - PR Newswire - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- How to Revive St. Augustine Grass - USA TODAY - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Mum's despair over rats in Salford housing association home - Yahoo News Canada - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- 'Professional-Use' Pesticides on the Internet - PCT Online - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Strange zig-zag marking on glass puzzles Aussies: 'What is this?' - Yahoo News Australia - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- New York Is Considering a Ban on Glue Traps to Catch Mice - The New York Times - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- An introduction to Mosquito Joe of Gulf Coast Alabama - Fox 10 News - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- The pesky lanternflies threat is back this summer act NOW to avoid them - New York Post - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Prepare your yard for the warm season with Turf Gator - St. Louis Post-Dispatch - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Revolutionizing the Green Battlefield: AI Takes on Agricultural Pests - yTech - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- The Best Pest Control Companies of March 2023 - This Old House - March 7th, 2023 [March 7th, 2023]
- How Much Does Pest Control Cost? Forbes Home - March 7th, 2023 [March 7th, 2023]
- A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control | SafetyCulture - February 19th, 2023 [February 19th, 2023]
- BioSolutions 2023 Event To Shine Spotlight on Nasty Fruit and Nut Pests - Growing Produce - February 19th, 2023 [February 19th, 2023]
- DIY Pest Control: How to Keep Pests Out of the Home - Family Handyman - February 3rd, 2023 [February 3rd, 2023]
- Slick Barrier on Shark Tank: How did the founders come up with innovative pest control solution? Backstory and more - Sportskeeda - February 3rd, 2023 [February 3rd, 2023]
- Its an institution: Swimming club backed by businesses as numbers soar - Toowoomba Chronicle - February 3rd, 2023 [February 3rd, 2023]
- Certus Selects WorkWave as Its Software and Solutions Partner, Utilizing PestPac to Power Its Rapid Expansion - KPVI News 6 - August 26th, 2021 [August 26th, 2021]
- AAAC Wildlife Removal of Treasure Coast: The Dos and Donts of Raccoon Removal and Control - Yahoo Finance - August 26th, 2021 [August 26th, 2021]
- EPA bans use of pesticide linked to learning disabilities, ADHD - Observer-Reporter - August 26th, 2021 [August 26th, 2021]
- Bugs inside? Try these tips to pest-proof your home - TribLIVE - August 26th, 2021 [August 26th, 2021]
- AHE and Essity Honor Top EVS Departments - CMM - August 26th, 2021 [August 26th, 2021]
- Problems That Your Pest Control Company Will Help You Deal With - MassNews - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- The US structural pest control market by revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5% during the period 20212026 - GlobeNewswire - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Pest Control Market Is Expected To Reach Grow At A Growth Rate Of 5.30% In The Forecast Period Of 2020 To 2027 | Emerging Players Ecolab Inc.,... - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Pest Control - The Home Depot - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Organic ins and outs - Good Fruit Grower - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Upcoming Target Specialty Products webinar to focus on perimeter pest control - Pest Management Professional magazine - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Silverfish: What they are, how to get rid of them, health risks - Medical News Today - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- FDA's data for 2020 shows top five violation categories at food facilities - Food Safety News - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Home Pest Control Market 2021 is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% by 2028 With Regional Advancements and Top Key Vendors Godrej, AVON Pest Control,... - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Deltamethrin - Global Market Outlook 2019 to 2027 - Impact of Covid-19, Regional Analysis and Forecasts - ResearchAndMarkets.com - Business Wire - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Professional Pest Control: How Leading Players Are Decoding The Impact Of Coronavirus On Professional Pest Control Industry? - The Courier - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Pest Control Products and Services Market Poised to Expand at a Robust Pace Over 2018 2027 NeighborWebSJ - NeighborWebSJ - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Pest Control Services Market Analysis, Recent Trends And Regional Growth Forecast By Types And Applications 2020 - The Haitian-Caribbean News Network - November 29th, 2020 [November 29th, 2020]
- Group brings 100 sandwiches and bags of clothes downtown for Thanksgiving Day giveaway - Fox17 - November 29th, 2020 [November 29th, 2020]
- Aptive invites PMPs to join in 'Giving Tuesday' Dec. 1 - Pest Management Professional magazine - November 29th, 2020 [November 29th, 2020]
- The tiny parasitic wasp that saved an industry - BBC News - November 29th, 2020 [November 29th, 2020]
- Comprehensive Report on Insect Pest Control Market 2020 | Size, Growth, Demand, Opportunities & Forecast To 2026 | Rentokil Initial, Bayer, FMC,... - November 29th, 2020 [November 29th, 2020]
- Down in the Garden: How Companion Planting Works - Central Coast Community News - November 29th, 2020 [November 29th, 2020]
- Biological Pest Control Market: Latest Innovations, Drivers and Industry Key Events 2020 2026 - The Market Feed - November 29th, 2020 [November 29th, 2020]
- Covid-19 Impact on Global Biological Pest Control Market Expected To Reach Highest CAGR by 2026 : BASF, InVivo, Dudutech, Koppert, Biobest Group, etc.... - November 29th, 2020 [November 29th, 2020]
- Tech Companies Partner on New Innovative Growing Platform - Greenhouse Grower - November 29th, 2020 [November 29th, 2020]
- Global Pest Control Products and Services Market Expected to reach highest CAGR in forecast period :Ecolab, Rollins, Rentokil Initial, Service Master,... - November 1st, 2020 [November 1st, 2020]
- Aptive Environmental Pest Control Caps Record-Breaking Summer with Three Awards - Yahoo News - November 1st, 2020 [November 1st, 2020]
- New Business Study on Pest Control Product and Services Market by Emerging Trends, Share, Growth Rate, Opportunities And Market Forecast To 2025 -... - November 1st, 2020 [November 1st, 2020]
- Pest Control Without Poison: Removing Unwanted Bugs From Your Home - E/The Environmental Magazine - November 1st, 2020 [November 1st, 2020]
- 2020 Current trends in Pest Control Software Market Estimated To Experience A Hike in Growth | Global Industry Size, Growth, Segments, Revenue,... - November 1st, 2020 [November 1st, 2020]
- Pest Control Products and Services Market 2020 Size, Share, Trends, Top Manufacturers, Regional Analysis, Business Growth, Applications, Emerging... - November 1st, 2020 [November 1st, 2020]
- Global Pest Control Market 2020 Growth Analysis, Opportunities, Trends and Developments to 2025 Wall Street Call - Reported Times - November 1st, 2020 [November 1st, 2020]
- Pest Control Market: Comprehensive Analysis Of The Current Trends And Inclinations, Along With The Future 2020 2027 | Emerging Players Ecolab Inc.,... - November 1st, 2020 [November 1st, 2020]
- EPA Approves Vantacor Insect Control for Cotton and Other Crops - Cotton Grower - October 23rd, 2020 [October 23rd, 2020]
- Global Pest Control Services Market Will Exhibit Positive Impact During 2020-2024 | Growing Hospitality, Pharmaceutical, and Food Processing... - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Global Pest Control Market 2020 Research : Detailed analysis of the Growth and other Aspects till 2026 - PRnews Leader - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Report: Connecticut city is one of the 'rattiest' in the country - Middletown Press - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Soaring Demand Drives Pest Control Products and Services Market Growth During the Forecast Period, 2020-2028 - Eurowire - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Pest Control Products Market size and Key Trends in terms of volume and value 2020-2025 - Express Journal - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Upcoming 'McKnight's' Online Forum to examine impact of COVID-19 on telehealth, pest control - Events - McKnight's Long Term Care News - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- Packs of baby food damaged by mice leads to recall in New Zealand - Food Safety News - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- Learn to Grow: Try these ideas to manage garden pests - The Mountaineer - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- Experts: Connecticut has more rats; pandemic conditions send them to homes - theday.com - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- Lets do it the eco-friendly way - The Tribune India - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- Emerald ash borer back to infest trees in the state - Grand Island Independent - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- 3 Biocontrol Application Mistakes to Avoid in the Greenhouse - Greenhouse Grower - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- Pest & Termite Control in New Jersey | Horizon Pest Control - July 6th, 2020 [July 6th, 2020]
- Pest Control Market business opportunity, and growth (2017-2026) - Apsters News - July 6th, 2020 [July 6th, 2020]
- Pest Control Market to See Major Growth by 2025 | Terminix, Rollins, Rentokil Initial, Anticimex - Morning Tick - July 6th, 2020 [July 6th, 2020]
- Horticulture Hotline - Fleas have been particularly bad this year - Charleston Post Courier - July 6th, 2020 [July 6th, 2020]
- Global Biological Pest Control Market Expected To Reach Highest CAGR By 2025: BASF, Anatis Bioprotection, InVivo, Koppert, Biobest Group, Dudutech... - July 6th, 2020 [July 6th, 2020]
- Ravenous rats 'the size of beavers' are invading homes as pest control call outs skyrocket - indy100 - July 6th, 2020 [July 6th, 2020]
- Global Pest Control Market Industry Analysis and Forecast (2019-2025) by Product type, Application and Region - News Distinct - May 19th, 2020 [May 19th, 2020]
- US Pest Control Market 2020 Global Overview, Growth, Size, Opportunities, Trends, Leading Company Analysis and Forecast to 2026 - Cole of Duty - May 19th, 2020 [May 19th, 2020]
- Pest Control Market 2020 Global Overview, Growth, Size, Opportunities, Trends, Leading Company Analysis and Forecast to 2026 - Cole of Duty - May 19th, 2020 [May 19th, 2020]
- Insect Pest Control Market Growth by Top Companies, Trends by Types and Application, Forecast to 2026 - Cole of Duty - May 13th, 2020 [May 13th, 2020]
- Early-Season Insect Pests of Cranberries - Rutgers Today - May 13th, 2020 [May 13th, 2020]
- Its like nothing else: insect swarms on Cyprus reveal incredible journeys - The Guardian - May 13th, 2020 [May 13th, 2020]
- Stinging Caterpillar Season Has Arrived in Texas - Texas A&M University Today - May 13th, 2020 [May 13th, 2020]
- Pest Control in the UK Just Got Stronger With Terminix - Yahoo Finance - March 5th, 2020 [March 5th, 2020]
- The economics of pest control - hortidaily.com - March 5th, 2020 [March 5th, 2020]
- Global Agricultural Pest Control Market 2020 | Increasing Demand, Technology Development, New Innovations, Future Projections and Forecast 2025 - News... - March 5th, 2020 [March 5th, 2020]