ABSTRACT
Exudation of mucilage from pinhead-sized boreholes in cocoa pods was recorded in Karnataka, India, during 2021. Further investigations showed the association of scolytine beetles with infested pods. The identity of the pest, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, was confirmed through morphological characterization and sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene. We studied the predisposing factors for its infestation, visible and concealed damaging symptoms, and fungal symbionts. In addition to its well-known symbiotic fungus, Ambrosiella roeperi, a new association of yeast, Ambrosiozyma monospora, was discovered. We also traced the possible role of the mirid bug, Helopeltis theivora, in host selection by X. crassiusculus. Overall results indicated that a 'mirid bug-ambrosia beetle-pathogen complex' is responsible for the severe damage to cocoa pods in South India.
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.
