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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #298663
Title: Temperature-dependent development of Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Author
item BRAR, GURPREET - University Of Florida
item CAPINERA, JOHN - University Of Florida
item Kendra, Paul
item SMITH, JASON - University Of Florida
item PENA, JORGE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/27/2015
Publication Date: 9/1/2015
Citation: Brar, G.S., J.L. Capinera, P.E. Kendra, J.A Smith, J.E. Pena, 2015. Temperature-dependent development of Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae). Florida Entomologist. 98(3):856-864.

Interpretive Summary: The redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB) is a newly-introduced wood-boring pest that transmits laurel wilt, a deadly fungal disease of avocado and other U.S. trees in the laurel family. First detected in Georgia in 2002, RAB and laurel wilt are now present in the avocado production areas of south Florida, and with continued spread, the beetle may potentially carry the disease to California and Mexico. Research was conducted by scientists from the University of Florida and USDA-ARS (Miami, FL) to evaluate the effect of temperature on development of RAB. The beetle was reared in the laboratory at constant temperatures ranging from 12-36oC to determine the threshold temperatures at which RAB could successfully complete its development. Complete development from egg to adult was observed at temperatures from 24-32oC, with optimal development and survival recorded at 28oC. Information on the thermal limits for reproduction and development of RAB will allow scientists to better estimate the potential geographic spread of this new invasive pest.

Technical Abstract: Redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a nonnative pest that vectors the pathogenic fungus Raffaelea lauricola, which causes laurel wilt in trees of the family Lauraceae. Laurel wilt is present in the commercial growing areas of avocado (Persea americana) in Florida and poses a potential threat to the avocado industries in California and Mexico. The life cycle and development of X. glabratus were studied in logs of avocado at 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36°C. Xyleborus glabratus successfully completed its life cycle at 24, 28 and 32°C, with the highest number of teneral adults observed at 28°C. Development of egg and pupal stages of X. glabratus were studied at 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36°C. Egg and pupal developmental rates changed in linear fashion over the range of 16-28°C. The lower threshold temperatures for egg and pupal development were estimated to be 10.9±0.55°C and 11.3±0.65 °C, respectively, and the degree-days for egg and pupal development were estimated at 55.3±3.3 DD and 69±4.5 DD, respectively. Logan and Lactin simulation models were used to estimate the upper threshold temperature (Tmax) and optimal temperature for development (Topt). The Logan model gave the best fit of experimental data with estimation of Tmax and Topt for egg and pupal development. Our results suggest that the optimal temperature for development of X. glabratus is 28oC, and that temperature will play an important role in the spread and successful establishment of X. glabratus.