From robert_kane@ds.cubic.comThu May 30 10:47:44 1996
Date: Wed, 29 May 1996 10:34:44 -0700
From: "Robert M. Kane" <robert_kane@ds.cubic.com>
To: sanet-mg@amani.ces.ncsu.edu
Subject: Ant Problems In Peru

Relative to Lockertz's most recent and other discussions concerning organic 
versus sustainable agriculture, we have a problem in Peru that hits on the 
issue.

Our project includes both cash-crop in terms of organic coffee and sustenance 
in terms of community gardens run by Mother's Clubs.  In the coffee tree 
nurseries, carniverous ants are killing the earth worms in the humus beds.  
Because of our organic certification we can't apply any available 
insecticides.  At the same time, ants are consuming the small plants in the 
Mother's Clubs gardens before they can produce anything.  I'm at the point of 
understanding what is meant by comments to the effect that organic farming 
might not be sustainable.  Our form of sustainability applies nature's little 
helpers.

In other areas of IPM, we are applying fungus to counter Coffee Borer insect 
and leaf rust with some success.  We have hints of problems relative to rust 
and its ability to expand a rate greater than the fungus (sustainability at 
what level of production?).

Does anyone have any ideas on how to attack this problem organically?  What is 
the least toxic way to handle the problem using chemicals? 

Thanks for your help.

Bob Kane, North American Coordinator
Institute for Sustainable Agriculture in the Tropics (SIAT)
Jaen, Peru