Leaf-cutting ants are difficult pests to control because they have numerous defense strategies and are highly selective in their plant harvesting choices. The search for effective pest control methods that have minimal negative effects on the environment has been continuous. Azadirachtin, a compound extracted from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), is a promising alternative for the control of various pests, as it is toxic to some insects but readily degrades in the environment. In this study, we evaluated the effects of azadirachtin on the mortality, through topical exposure to the compound, and immune response, by introducing an artificial antigen into leaf-cutting ants Atta sexdens and Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus. Azadirachtin caused death to minor and major workers of both species in a concentration-dependent manner. Topical application of the compound did not diminish the immune response of ants in a microfilament encapsulation assay. Azadirachtin showed no effect on the immune response of workers but increased worker mortality, which indicates its potential as an ant control agent.

中文翻译：

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印za素对切叶蚁死亡率和免疫反应的影响。

切叶蚁是很难控制的害虫，因为它们具有多种防御策略，并且在植物收获的选择上具有很高的选择性。一直在寻找对环境具有最小负面影响的有效虫害控制方法。印za素是从印em树中提取的化合物（印za素），是控制各种害虫的有前途的替代品，因为它对某些昆虫有毒，但在环境中易降解。在这项研究中，我们通过将人工抗原引入切叶蚁Atta sexdens和Acromyrmex subterraneus地下中，通过局部暴露于该化合物并评估了印ach素对死亡率的影响。印za素以浓度依赖的方式导致两种物种的未成年人和主要工人死亡。在微丝包封试验中，局部施用该化合物不会减弱蚂蚁的免疫反应。印za素对工人的免疫反应没有影响，但增加了工人的死亡率，这表明其作为蚂蚁控制剂的潜力。