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Author (up) Lauth, J.; Ruiz-González, M.X.; Orivel, J. pdf  url
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  Title New findings in insect fungiculture: Have ants developed non-food, agricultural products? Type Journal Article
  Year 2011 Publication Communicative & Integrative Biology Abbreviated Journal Comm & Integr Biol  
  Volume 4 Issue 1942-0889 Pages 728-730  
  Keywords  
  Abstract The interaction between Allomerus plant-ants and an ascomycete fungus growing on and strengthening their galleries is not opportunistic. We previously demonstrated that this association is highly specific as only one fungal species represented by a few haplotypes was found associated with the ants. We also discovered that the ants' behavior revealed a major investment in manipulating and enhancing the growth of their associated fungus. We have growing evidence that this specificity is consistent with selection by the ants. Here, we discuss this selection within the framework of insect agriculture, as we believe these ants fulfill all of the prerequisites to be considered as farmers. Allomerus ants promote their symbiont's growth, protect it from potential pathogens and select specific cultivars. Taken together, we think that the interaction between Allomerus ants and their cultivar might represent the first case of insect fungiculture used as a means of obtaining building material.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Landes Bioscience Inc. Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number EcoFoG @ webmaster @ Serial 379  
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