Testing For Ryegrass And Potential Mutualistic Relationships In Arthropods From Longleaf Pine Savannas
- UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Bailey Teale (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
- Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
- Advisor
- Lisa Kelly, Ph.D.
Abstract: Invasive species like the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) are a common threat to protected areas such as longleaf pine savannas. A substantial part of S. invicta’s diet appears to be the invasive Rigid Ryegrass (Lolium rigidum), which does not occur in the burn-managed longleaf pine savannas. Solenopsis invicta could be consuming L. rigidum through a mutualistic relationship with honeydew-producing insects. Honeydew-producing insects could feed on L. rigidum in fields, then fly to the longleaf pine savannas where S. invicta tends them. Samples of S. invicta, honeydew insects and predatory arthropods went through DNA extraction, and commercial Sanger sequencing was performed on the amplified DNA (ITS2 gene region). The samples had been stored in 70% ethanol since 2017. Half of the S. invicta samples and all honeydew and predatory insect samples were washed in diluted bleach for external decontamination. The results from the honeydew and predatory insects were inconclusive, possibly due to damage from the bleach solution and cross contamination with the positive control. The S. invicta predominately matched with the Lolium spp., supporting previous findings. Next steps would be to collect and reattempt testing honeydew insects. Native ants also should be examined to determine whether they are feeding from the same plants as does S. invicta.
Testing For Ryegrass And Potential Mutualistic Relationships In Arthropods From Longleaf Pine Savannas
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Created on 5/12/2021
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Honors Project
- Esther G. Maynor Honors College
- Language: English
- Date: 2021
- Keywords
- Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta, Rigid Ryegrass, Lolium rigidum , DNA, Longleaf Pine,