Potential vectors of Harringtonia lauricola
Laurel wilt caused by Harringtonia lauricola (EPPO Alert List) is known to be vectored by Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae – EPPO Alert List). Recent studies explored potential other vectors and showed the association of H. lauricola with the following species:
- Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae - formerly EPPO Alert List).
- Xyleborus bispinatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae).
- Apteromechus ferratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cryptorhynchinae). This is the first report of H. lauricola being associated with a non-ambrosia beetle (A. ferratus is a hidden snout weevil).
Phoretic presence of H. lauricola was also detected on the following ambrosia beetle species: Xyleborus volvulus, Xyleborus affinis, Xyleborinus saxesenii.
Sources
Cruz LF, Menocal O, Kendra PE, Carrillo D (2021) Phoretic and internal transport of Raffaelea lauricola by different species of ambrosia beetle associated with avocado trees. Symbiosis 84, 151–161.
Knutsen MC, Rieske LK (2023) Presence of the causal agent of laurel wilt disease in sassafras-associated insects. Environmental Entomology 52(6), 1042-1047.
Menocal O, Cruz LF, Kendra PE, Berto M & Carillo D (2023) Flexibility in the ambrosia symbiosis of Xyleborus bispinatus. Frontiers in Microbiology 14, 1110474. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10018145/