However, seed predation showed a high degree of spatial variability within and among fields. I have also recently, in collaboration with colleagues at Clemson University and the USDA, initiated a sustainable agriculture research program at a much finer scale. To date we have explored direct influences of fire ants on old field plant assemblages through seed predation. Fire ants selectively prey upon the seeds of early successional species. Moreover, ragweed grows larger and is significantly more abundant on fire ant mounds than off fire ant mounds.
Fire ants appear to be contributing to the success of ragweed in old field plant assemblages.