ARS | Publication request: Abundance in Persea americana of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle, Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Vector of Laurel Wilt: A Case of Intra-guild Competition?

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Regional Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 29, 2010
Publication Date: March 22, 2011
Citation: Pena, J.E., Capinera, J.L., Kendra, P.E., Brar, G., Mclean, S., Stelinski, L., Ploetz, R., Crane, J.H. 2011. Abundance in Persea americana of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle, Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Vector of Laurel Wilt: A Case of Intra-guild Competition?. Entomological Society of America Regional Meetings. 2011.

Technical Abstract: The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus is a pest of plant species in the Lauraceae, including Persea borbonia, P. pallustris, P. americana, and others. Xyleborus glabratus infestation levels in P. borbonia maintain a high proportion compared to other species, such as Xylosandrus crassiusculus and Xyleborus volvulus. However, beetle infestations of avocado, P. americana, maintain a much higher proportion of X. glabratus compared to the other species. Analysis of these infestations might be a key component when considering a pest management approach for laurel wilt in avocado.