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. 2016 Oct 14;7(4):55.
doi: 10.3390/insects7040055.

Distribution, Pest Status and Fungal Associates of Euwallacea nr. fornicatus in Florida Avocado Groves

Daniel Carrillo  1 , Luisa F Cruz  2 , Paul E Kendra  3 , Teresa I Narvaez  4 , Wayne S Montgomery  5 , Armando Monterroso  6 , Charlotte De Grave  7   8 , Miriam F Cooperband  9
Affiliations

Distribution, Pest Status and Fungal Associates of Euwallacea nr. fornicatus in Florida Avocado Groves

Daniel Carrillo et al. Insects. .

Abstract

Members of a complex of cryptic species, that correspond morphologically to the ambrosia beetle Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), were recently found attacking avocado (Persea americana Mill.) in Israel and California. In early 2016, an outbreak of another member of this species complex was detected infesting approximately 1500 avocado trees in an avocado orchard at Homestead, Florida. An area-wide survey was conducted in commercial avocado groves of Miami-Dade County, Florida to determine the distribution and abundance of E. nr. fornicatus, to identify different populations of E. nr. fornicatus and their fungal associates, and to assess the extent of damage to avocado trees. Ewallacea nr. fornicatus were captured in 31 of the 33 sampled sites. A sample of 35 beetles from six different locations was identified as E. nr. fornicatus sp. #2, which is genetically distinct from the species causing damage in California and Israel. Eleven fungal associates were identified: an unknown Fusarium sp., AF-8, AF-6, Graphium euwallaceae, Acremonium sp. Acremonium morum, Acremonium masseei, Elaphocordyceps sp. and three yeast species. The unknown Fusarium isolates were the most abundant and frequently found fungus species associated with adult beetles and lesions surrounding the beetle galleries. In addition to fungal associates, three bacteria species were found associated with adult E. nr. fornicatus. Visual inspections detected significant damage in only two orchards. A large number of beetles were captured in locations with no apparent damage on the avocado trees suggesting that E. nr. fornicatus are associated with other host(s) outside the groves or with dead trees or branches inside the groves. More research is needed to determine the potential threat E. nr. fornicatus and its fungal associates pose to the avocado industry and agricultural and natural ecosystems in Florida.

Keywords: Fusarium; ambrosia beetles; symbiosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution and abundance of Euwallacea nr. fornicatus in the avocado growing region in south Florida (enclosed in the blue polygon). Circles of different sizes represent the total number of E. nr. fornicatus beetles captured per avocado orchard.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Estimated abundance (CFU) of fungal species recovered from 35 E. nr fornicatus at six locations within the south Florida avocado growing region.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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