Predators and parasitoids associated with Scolytinae in Persea species (Laurales: Lauraceae) and other Lauraceae in Florida and Taiwan

Authors

  • Jorge E. Peña University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, 18905 SW 280th Street, Homestead, FL 33031, USA
  • Scott W. Weihman USDA, APHIS PPQ CPHST, Miami, Florida, USA
  • Stephen McLean University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology, Gainesville, Florida, USA
  • Ronald D. Cave University of Florida, Indian River REC, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
  • Daniel Carrillo University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, 18905 SW 280th Street, Homestead, FL 33031, USA
  • Rita E. Duncan University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, 18905 SW 280th Street, Homestead, FL 33031, USA
  • Gregory Evans USDA, APHIS, NIS, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
  • Stephen Krauth University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
  • M. C. Thomas Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gainesville, Florida, USA
  • S. S. Lu National Institute of Forestry, Taiwan
  • Paul E. Kendra USDA, ARS, Miami, Florida, USA
  • Amy L. Roda USDA, APHIS PPQ CPHST, Miami, Florida, USA

Keywords:

red bay ambrosia beetle, predator, parasitoids, avocado

Abstract

The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), due to its association with Raffaelea lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva (Ophiostomatales: Ophiostomataceae), a pathogen that causes laurel wilt, is considered one of the most damaging pests of Persea species (Laurales: Lauraceae) including avocado. Currently, there is no satisfactory method to control this pest. Biological control is being examined as an additional tool to be used to lower the pest population and slow its spread. The objective of this study was to determine the natural enemy community associated with X. glabratus in Florida and Taiwan by using 3 methods: 1) field-collected wood naturally infested with X. glabratus (Florida), 2) bolts of avocado artificially infested with X. glabratus (Florida) and 3) direct collection of natural enemies from a trap area baited with infested wood and known X. glabratus lures (Florida and Taiwan). Among the predacious insects, there were 8 species of Laemophloeidae, an unidentified species of Staphylinidae, Microsicus spp. (Zopheridae), and Europs sp. (Monotomidae) (all Coleoptera). Among the parasitoids, hymenopterans of the families Braconidae, Eulophidae, Pteromalidae, Encyrtidae, Eupelmidae, and Bethylidae emerged from wood containing various species of Scolytinae. However, the only specimens that emerged from logs in which X. glabratus was present were Bethylidae, Braconidae, Encyrtidae (perhaps Closterocerus sp.), and Scelionidae. Four hymenopteran species were collected using attractants in Florida and Taiwan. However, more studies are needed to clarify their role as natural enemies of X. glabratus.

 

Resumen

El barrenador del laurel rojo, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) es una plaga que afecta especies del género Persea (Laurales: Lauraceae) y gracias a su asociación con el patógeno Raffaelea lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva (Ophiostomatales: Ophiostomataceae), causa la marchitez del laurel. Actualmente no hay métodos satisfactorios de controlar esta plaga. El control biológico se está examinando a ver si puede utilizarse como una táctica que pueda mermar la población de la plaga y por ende disminuir su dispersión. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron el determinar la comunidad de enemigos naturales asociados con X. glabratus en Florida y Taiwan. Se utilizaron 3 métodos: 1) troncos de árboles afectados naturalmente con X. glabratus y otras especies de escolitídos, 2) pedazos de troncos de aguacate infestados artificialmente con X. glabratus en Florida y 3) colección directa de enemigos naturales atraídos a madera infestada con escolítidos y a cebos atrayentes (Florida y Taiwán). Entre los insectos depredadores hubo 8 especies de Laemophloeidae, una especie de estafilínidos no identificado, Mircosicus sp. (Zopheridae) y Eruros spp. (Monotomidae). Entre los parasitoides himenópteros de las familias Braconidae, Eulophidae, Pteromalidae, Encyrtidae, Eupelmidae y Bethylidae emergieron de madera que contenia varias especies de escolítidos. Los únicos himenópteros que emergieron de madera infestada con X. glabratus fueron especímenes no identificados de las familias Bethylidae, Braconidae, Encyrtidae y Scelionidae. Cuatro especies de himenópteros fueron atrapados utilizando atrayentes. Se necesitan realizar más estudios para determinar el papel de estos parasitoides como enemigos naturales de X. glabratus.


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Author Biography

Jorge E. Peña, University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, 18905 SW 280th Street, Homestead, FL 33031, USA

Tropical Resarch and Education Center

Professor Emeritus

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Issue

Vol. 98, No. 3 (September 2015)

Section

Research Papers

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