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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #341636
Research Project: Methyl Bromide Replacement: Mitigation of the Invasive Pest Threat from the American Tropics and Subtropics

Location: Subtropical Horticulture Research

Title: Distribution, pest status, and fungal associates of Euwallacea nr. fornicatus in Florida avocado groves

Author
item CARRILLO, DANIEL - University Of Florida
item CRUZ, LUISA - University Of Florida
item Kendra, Paul
item Narvaez, Teresa
item Montgomery, Wayne
item MONTERROSO, ARMANDO - Brooks Tropicals, Llc
item DEGRAVE, CHARLOTTE - University Of Liege
item COOPERBAND, MIRIAM - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), National Wildlife Center

Submitted to: Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/12/2017
Publication Date: 7/18/2017
Citation: Carrillo, D., L. F. Cruz, P. E. Kendra, T. I. Narvaez, W. S. Montgomery, A. Monterroso, C. De Grave, and M. R. Cooperband. 2017. Distribution, pest status and fungal associates of Euwallacea nr. fornicatus in Florida avocado groves. 100th Annual Meeting of the Florida Entomological Society. Isla Verde, PR. 16-20 Jul 2017.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Members of a complex of cryptic species, that correspond morphologically to the ambrosia beetle Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), were recently found attacking avocado (Persea americana Mill.) in Israel and California. In 2016, an outbreak of another member of this complex was detected infesting approximately 1,500 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 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. The unknown Fusarium isolates were the most abundant and frequently found fungus species associated with adult beetles and lesions surrounding the beetle galleries. 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 natural ecosystems in Florida.