image: A. Argentine ant and B. a map of the sampling areas.
Researchers have successfully detected the environmental DNA (eDNA *1) of the Argentine ant (*2) in surface soil samples from sites on Kobe's Port Island and in Kyoto's Fushimi District, two areas that have a long history of destruction caused by this invasive species. The research group included then graduate student YASASHIMOTO Tetsu and Associate Professor MINAMOTO Toshifumi of Kobe University's Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Visiting Professor OZAKI Mamiko of the Graduate School of Engineering, and NAKAJIMA Satoko, formally of the Kyoto Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environment.
This method can be used to enable scientists to easily gain an accurate understanding of the habitat distribution and hotspots for globally invasive ant species (*3), such as the fire ant, which cause significant damage. Combining this method with pest control plans against invasive ant species will contribute towards the formulation of targeted measures and successful elimination results.
These research results are due to be published in Scientific Reports on May 26, 2021.
Main points
Invasive ant species are causing serious damage worldwide. Early detection and rapid elimination is essential for controlling their populations.
However, current pest control methods involve a series of direct detection techniques (such as visual observation, capture, classification, elimination, follow-up observation and evaluation), which require specialist knowledge, labor and time. This is inefficient considering the widespread damage caused worldwide by these invasive species.
By focusing on one species that is difficult to eradicate (the Argentine ant), the group demonstrated that eDNA analysis can provide a useful tool for observing and evaluating the invasion, establishment and proliferation of invasive ant species.
The research group developed an Argentine ant-specific real-time PCR assay. Using this new assay, they successfully and highly accurately detected eDNA originating from this species in surface samples collected from invasion sites.
The researchers compared the presence of eDNA with the last decade of pest control records. They demonstrated the efficiency of eDNA analysis for monitoring populations of the target species and reported for the first time that this method could lead to rapid improvements in the accuracy and effectiveness of invasive ant extermination.
Research Background
In the midst of globalization, the transport of goods and commodities between nations is increasing. Consequently, the arrival, subsequent establishment and widespread proliferation of invasive ant species that are inadvertently transported to other countries has developed into a worldwide problem. In Japan, Argentine ant (Figure 1A) colonies continue to proliferate widely, and the invasion and establishment of highly poisonous fire ant populations have also been reported.
The research group chose two areas that have a long history of damage caused by the Argentine ant; 1. Kyoto's Fushimi district and 2. Kobe's Port Island. 1. Fushimi has continuously used insecticide measures for almost 10 years, and has had consistent success in suppressing Argentine ant populations in built-up areas. 2. Although the Argentine ant first invaded Kobe over 20 years ago, the situation has yet to change for the better.
In cases like 1, where insecticide-based methods have been carried out for a long period of time, it is difficult to stop the usage of insecticide on a non-scientific basis, even though this presents a problem from the perspective of conserving the natural environment and ecosystem.
In cases like 2, there are no pest control plans in place because the extent of the species' distribution is not readily understood.
Environmental DNA analysis is a biological monitoring method that was introduced into the fields of ecology and conservation biology around 2008. It has brought about revolutionary changes in the conduction of biological surveys, especially in aquatic environments. It is hoped that applying this technique to surface soil samples instead of water samples will play a key role in eliminating invasive ants, providing a breakthrough solution to this problem.
Research Methodology and Findings
Argentine ant-specific DNA assay
The researchers designed a real-time PCR assay specific to the Argentine ant and experimentally confirmed the specificity of the assay. The researchers then performed the following experiments using this method.
Selection of surface sample sites and their respective pest control histories
Surface samples were collected from a total of four sites (FM-1 to 4) in the Fushimi district of Kyoto in order to test them for the eDNA of the Argentine ant, as shown in Figure 1B. The characteristics of efforts to control invasive ant species over the past decade are different for each site (Figure 2).
Detecting the eDNA of Argentine ants using surface soil samples
Environmental DNA from the Argentine ant was found in the samples from the FM-1 and FM-2 sites, where their presence had previously been confirmed by traditional bait trap surveys. However, eDNA from this invasive species was not detected in the samples taken from sites FM-3 and FM-4. These results did not contradict those obtained using the bait trap method, suggesting that eDNA analysis can be considered more accurate than surveys based on visual observations (Table 1). In addition, native ant species were observed at each of the survey sites. At sites FM-1 and 2, where Argentine ant eDNA was detected, 7 and 3 native species were observed, whereas at sites FM-3 and 4, where the invasive ant's DNA was not detected, 15 and 10 native species were found respectively. This indicates that the invasive species may be driving out native ant species.
Conclusions and Further Developments
1. By comparing and analyzing the results of environmental DNA analysis of various ant species with the habitat data of Argentine ant and native ant species accumulated over the years, a method for estimating ant habitat by environmental DNA can be developed for practical use. In this way, eDNA could provide a scientific basis from which to reconsider previous ineffective pest control methods and to eradicate issues relating to the continuance of pest control and confirming extermination.
2. The environmental DNA method is a fundamental, all-purpose technique, which enables further research into other invasive ant species, such as fire ants, to be conducted in the same way.
3. A policy model for the control of invasive species, based on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to 'Conserve and restore terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss', can be drawn up and implemented, beginning with invasive ant species (including Argentine ant and fire ant).