Identification of the Achilles heels of the laurel wilt pathogen and its beetle vector

摘要: Ambrosia beetles harbor fungal symbionts that serve as food sources for larvae and adults. These lay their eggs along tunnels in xylem sapwood, which is the substrate growth. Symbiotic fungi of genus Raffaelea found invasive indigenous ambrosia include highly virulent plant pathogen lauricola affecting members Lauraceae family. R. responsible deaths > 500 million trees since 2005. Infection by few 100 spores can kill a healthy tree within months. Our data show cold-adapted with optimal growth between 16 26 °C, little to no at temperatures ≥ 30 °C. The fungus halophilic shows dramatic decrease pH ≥ 6.8. Fungicide resistance profiling revealed sensitivity prochloraz, dichlorofluanid, most conazoles, dithiocarbamates, zineb (zinc fungicide), whereas related species arxii showed more limited fungicide sensitivity. Entomopathogenic potentially useful beetle control were generally resistant fungicides tested. Coupling decreased concentration 95% inhibition (IC95) potent 3–4-fold. Use avocado bark plug insect bioassays commercially available Beauveria bassiana be used biological agent capable effectively killing vectors. provide simple practical recommendations specifically target while having minimal effects on other symbiotic entomopathogenic fungi, latter manage