Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Its Fungal Symbiont Ambrosiella roeperi Associated with Arecanut Kernel Decay in Karnataka, India
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is reported causing
damage to areca palm plantations (Areca catechu L.—Arecaceae) in Karnataka (India). In particular,
X. crassiusculus has been observed attacking and successfully reproducing on areca nuts; besides the
new host plant record, the data provided here represent the first documented case of spermatophagy
for this xyleborine beetle. All infestation symptoms of this polyphagous pest were documented
and illustrated. The identity of the scolytid, besides morphologically, was confirmed by its DNA
barcoding. Eggs, larvae and pupae were found within the galleries of infested kernels. All galleries
of the infested kernels were characterized by the presence of whitish to greyish fungal growth. The
fungus was identified as Ambrosiella roeperi, a known symbiont of Xylosandrus crassiusculus. Incidence
of this symbiotic insect-fungus complex in the economic part of arecanut, i.e., the kernel, is of serious
concern. In a climate change scenario, this beetle with fungal symbionts may pose a serious threat to
arecanut production in India and elsewhere.
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Keywords
ambrosia beetle, beetle-fungus symbiosis, betel nut, biodiversity, COI, Scolytinae
Citation
Insects 2022, 13, 67