Studies on dispersal of Ceratocystis fagacearum by nitidulid beetles
In Minnesota (US), studies on potential vectors of Ceratocystis fagacearum (EPPO A1 list) suggested that the main nitidulid species transmitting the pathogen from diseased to healthy oaks are Colopterus truncatus and Carpophilus sayi (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). These insects can carry spores from sporulating mats of C. fagacearum to fresh wounds on healthy trees. Studies were done on the temporal flight dynamics of both species from April to October in Minnesota. Populations of Colopterus truncatus peaked in April and May, but in infested sites, C. fagacearum was most frequently isolated from the beetles from July to September. The abundance of Carpophilus sayi peaked in October and the pathogen was most commonly isolated from beetles in May and June. It was noted that the infective insect potential was highest in spring for both species and was greater for Colopterus truncatus than for Carpophilus sayi.
Sources
Ambourn AK, Juzwik J, Moon RD (2005) Seasonal dispersal of the oak wilt fungus by Colopterus truncatus and Carpophilus sayi in Minnesota. Plant Disease 89(10), 1067-1076