Introduction of ants as potential biological control agents with particular reference to cocoa

Abstract

Although the value of the local ants for the limitation of the cocoa pests is already appreciated, there is now an interest in augmenting these ants by introduction of additional ants species into Papua New Guinea from overseas. The introduction of ants from another geographical area presents some potential and possibly irreversible threats. Some of the problems which might arise from such introductions are here reviewed in the hope that agencies which might be considering such an initiative can take them into account when deciding whether to proceed. The points raised in this article are also relevant in other areas in the Pacific.