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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #295375

Title: Is Litchi chinensis a potential host for redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus?

Author
item Niogret, Jerome
item Kendra, Paul
item PLOETZ, RANDY - University Of Florida
item Montgomery, Wayne
item PENA, JORGE - University Of Florida
item BRAR, GURPREET - University Of Florida
item Epsky, Nancy

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/17/2013
Publication Date: 7/16/2013
Citation: Niogret, J., Kendra, P.E., Ploetz, R.C., Montgomery, W.S., Pena, J.E., Brar, G.S., Epsky, N.D. 2013. Is Litchi chinensis a potential host for redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus?. Meeting Abstract. Florida Entomology Society Meeting, Naples, FL July 14-17_____________________________.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB), Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff, is an exotic wood-borer that vectors the fungal agent (Raffaelea lauricola) responsible for laurel wilt disease. To date, all known hosts of RAB are trees within the family Lauraceae. However, our previous research indicated that female RAB are highly attracted to freshly-cut wood from lychee, Litchi chinensis Sonn. (Sapindaceae) in field tests, and will bore into lychee wood in lab bioassays. Those initial tests were done with an unknown cultivar; therefore, we investigated the potential host status of a commercial lychee, ‘Brewster’, one of the most extensively planted varieties in south Florida. Lab and field experiments were conducted to determine if ‘Brewster’ (1) is susceptible to attack by RAB, (2) exhibits symptoms of laurel wilt disease, and (3) is capable of supporting reproduction of RAB. In addition, we performed chemical analysis of the volatile emissions from ‘Brewster’ to compare its profile to that of known hosts.