The number and size of leaf-cutting ant nests in eucalypt plantations were related to the wood production. Data from the eucalypt forest inventory from Mannesmann Florestal Ltd., in João Pinheiro, MG, Brazil, were analyzed from 1991 to 1996. These data were correlated with those from a leaf-cutting ant monitoring program (SIMFOR) and also with those of the understory vegetation cover. The number of leaf-cutting ant nests found in the studied area was sufficient to reduce wood production. The wood production of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh, E. citriodora Hook and E. tereticornis Smith was more affected by leaf-cutting ant damage than E. cloeziana F. Muell. and E. urophylla S.T. Blake.
Insecta; Attini; Atta spp.; eucalypt plantations; wood production estimate
