@article {13555, title = {Spatio-temporal analysis of Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Circulionidae: Scolytinae) invasion in eastern U.S. forests}, journal = {Environmental Entomology}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, year = {2008}, month = {April}, pages = {442-452}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The non-native redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), has recently emerged as a significant pest of southeastern U.S. coastal forests. Specifically, a fungal symbiont (Raffaelea sp.) of X. glabratus has caused mortality of redbay (Persea borbonia) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum) trees in the region; several other Lauraceae species also seem susceptible. Although the range of X. glabratus continues to expand rapidly, little is known about the species biology and behavior. In turn, there has been no broad-scale assessment of the threat it poses to eastern U.S. forests. To provide a basic information framework, we performed analyses exploiting relevant spatio-temporal data available for X. glabratus. First, we mapped the densities of redbay and sassafras from forest inventory data. Second, we used climate matching to delineate potential geographic limits for X. glabratus. Third, we used county infestation data to estimate the rate of spread and modeled spread through time, incorporating host density as a weighting factor. Our results suggest that (1) key areas with high concentrations of redbay have yet to be invaded, but some are immediately threatened; (2) climatic conditions may serve to constrain X. glabratus to the southeastern U.S. coastal region; and (3) if unchecked, X. glabratus may spread throughout the range of redbay in 40 yr. Disruption of anthropogenic, long-distance dispersal could reduce the likelihood of this outcome.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0046-225X}, author = {Koch, F. H. and Smith, W. D.} } @article {13316, title = {DIVERSITY OF SCOLYTINAE (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE) ATTRACTED TO AVOCADO, LYCHEE, AND ESSENTIAL OIL LURES}, journal = {Florida Entomologist}, volume = {94}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {Jun}, pages = {123-130}, abstract = {The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), is an exotic wood-boring insect that vectors laurel wilt, a lethal vascular disease of trees in the Lauraceae, including avocado (Persea americana) and native Persea species (redbay, swampbay). As part of research to identify host-based attractants for X. glabratus, we discovered that a diverse array of non-target ambrosia beetles was attracted to the same substrates as X. glabratus. During Sep-Dec 2009, several field tests were conducted in north Florida (in woodlands with advanced stages of laurel wilt) with traps baited with commercial lures of the essential oils, manuka and phoebe, and with freshly-cut wood bolts of avocado (a known host) and lychee (Litchi chinensis, a non-host high in the sesquiterpene [alpha]-copaene, a putative host attractant). In addition, manuka-baited traps were deployed in avocado groves in south Florida to monitor for potential spread of X. glabratus. The combined trapping results indicated that none of these substrates was specific in attraction of X. glabratus. Numerous non-target ambrosia beetles were captured, including 17 species representative of 4 tribes within the subfamily Scolytinae. This report provides photo-documentation and data on the species diversity and relative abundance for a group of poorly-studied beetles, the scolytine community in Florida Persea habitats.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0015-4040}, author = {Kendra, Paul E. and Sanchez, Jorge S. and Montgomery, Wayne S. and Okins, Katherine E. and Niogret, Jerome and Pena, Jorge E. and Epsky, Nancy D. and Heath, Robert R.} } @article {13313, title = {Attraction of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, to Avocado, Lychee, and Essential Oil Lures}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Ecology}, volume = {37}, number = {9}, year = {2011}, month = {Sep}, pages = {932-942}, abstract = {The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff, is an exotic wood-boring insect that vectors the mycopathogen responsible for laurel wilt, a lethal vascular disease of trees in the Lauraceae. High mortality has occurred in native Persea species in the southeastern U. S., and the vector-pathogen complex poses an imminent threat to the production of commercial avocado, P. americana, in south Florida. There is a critical need for effective attractants to detect, monitor, and control this invasive pest. This study combined field tests and laboratory bioassays to evaluate the response of female X. glabratus to host-based volatiles from wood of avocado (cultivars of West Indian, Guatemalan, and Mexican races); from wood of lychee (Litchi chinensis, a presumed non-host that is high in the sesquiterpene [alpha]-copaene, a putative attractant); and to commercial lures containing manuka and phoebe oils, two reported attractive baits. Volatile collections and GC-MS analyses were performed to quantify the sesquiterpene content of test substrates. In the field, traps baited with lychee wood captured more beetles than those with wood from avocado cultivars; traps baited with phoebe oil lures captured more beetles than those with manuka oil lures (the current monitoring tool). In field and laboratory tests, X. glabratus did not show a preference among avocado races in either attraction or host acceptance ( initiation of boring). In choice tests, lychee was more attractive than avocado initially, but a higher percentage of beetles bored into avocado, suggesting that lychee emits more powerful olfactory/visual cues, but that avocado contains more of the secondary cues necessary for host recognition. Emissions of [alpha]-copaene, [beta]-caryophyllene, and [alpha]-humulene were correlated with field captures, and lychee wood may be a source of additional semiochemicals for X. glabratus.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0098-0331}, author = {Kendra, Paul E. and Montgomery, Wayne S. and Niogret, Jerome and Pena, Jorge E. and Capinera, John L. and Brar, Gurpreet and Epsky, Nancy D. and Heath, Robert R.} } @article {13314, title = {METHOD FOR COLLECTION OF LIVE REDBAY AMBROSIA BEETLES, XYLEBORUS GLABRATUS (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE: SCOLYTINAE)}, journal = {Florida Entomologist}, volume = {95}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {June}, pages = {513-516}, abstract = {Development of improved lures for Xyleborus glabratus will be expedited through experimental research conducted with host-seeking females. As an alternative to laboratory rearing of X. glabratus, we developed a simple method for field collection of dispersing females using freshly-cut host wood as bait. Female X. glabratus collected with this method are behaviorally and physiologically in host-seeking mode, ideally suited for evaluation of host-based attractants in controlled laboratory tests.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0015-4040}, author = {Kendra, Paul E. and Montgomery, Wayne S. and Sanchez, Jorge S. and Deyrup, Mark A. and Niogret, Jerome and Epsky, Nancy D.} } @article {13315, title = {Temporal Analysis of Sesquiterpene Emissions From Manuka and Phoebe Oil Lures and Efficacy for Attraction of Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)}, journal = {Journal of Economic Entomology}, volume = {105}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {Apr}, pages = {659-669}, abstract = {Redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff, is an exotic wood-borer that vectors the fungal agent (Raffaelea lauricola) responsible for laurel wilt. Laurel wilt has had severe impact on forest ecosystems in the southeastern United States, killing a large proportion of native Persea trees, particularly redbay (P. borbonia) and swampbay (P. palustris), and currently poses an economic threat to avocado (P. americana) in Florida. To control the spread of this lethal disease, effective attractants are needed for early detection of the vector. Two 12-wk field tests were conducted in Florida to evaluate efficacy and longevity of manuka and phoebe oil lures, and to relate captures of X. glabratus to release rates of putative sesquiterpene attractants. Two trap types were also evaluated, Lindgren funnel traps and sticky panel traps. To document lure emissions over time, a separate set of lures was aged outdoors for 12 wk and sampled periodically to quantify volatile sesquiterpenes using super-Q adsorbant and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis. Phoebe lures captured significantly more X. glabratus than manuka lures, and sticky traps captured more beetles than funnel traps. Phoebe lures captured X. glabratus for 10-12 wk, but field life of manuka lures was 2-3 wk. Emissions of [alpha]-copaene, [alpha]-humulene, and cadinene were consistently higher from phoebe lures, particularly during the 2-3 wk window when manuka lures lost efficacy, suggesting that these sesquiterpenes are primary kairomones used by host-seeking females. Results indicate that the current monitoring system is suboptimal for early detection of X. glabratus because of rapid depletion of sesquiterpenes from manuka lures.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0022-0493}, author = {Kendra, Paul E. and Niogret, Jerome and Montgomery, Wayne S. and Sanchez, Jorge S. and Deyrup, Mark A. and Pruett, Grechen E. and Ploetz, Randy C. and Epsky, Nancy D. and Heath, Robert R.} } @article {12660, title = {The Scent of a Partner: Ambrosia Beetles Are Attracted to Volatiles from Their Fungal Symbionts}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Ecology}, volume = {37}, number = {12}, year = {2011}, month = {December}, pages = {1374-1377}, abstract = {Invasive fungus-growing ambrosia beetles are an emerging threat to forest ecosystems and fruit industries, but management tools are lacking. Here we explored the potential of beetle symbionts-ambrosia fungi-as a source of attractants. Our focus was the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, and its symbiotic fungus, Raffaelea lauricola, which are devastating lauraceous hosts in the southeastern United States. We also tested three additional co-occurring beetle species and their symbionts. Each beetle species was consistently attracted to the odors of its symbiotic fungal species, occasionally also to symbionts of other species, but never to non-symbiotic Trichoderma. We further confirmed attraction to ethanol (positive control) in some species. Thus, ambrosia fungi produce volatiles attractive to their vector beetles, which may have potential as novel lures for ambrosia beetle management.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0098-0331}, author = {Huler, Jiri and Mann, Rajinder and Stelinski, Lukasz L.} } @article {11899, title = {New combinations in Raffaelea, Ambrosiella, and Hyalorhinocladiella, and four new species from the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus}, journal = {Mycotaxon}, volume = {111}, year = {2010}, month = {January-March}, pages = {337-361}, abstract = {Female adults of the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), from the southeastern USA were individually macerated and serially diluted onto culture media for isolation of fungal symbionts. Six Raffaelea species were recovered: R. lauricola, R. arxii, and four new species: R. subalba, R. ellipticospora, R. fusca and R. subfusca. Phylogenetic analyses of LSU rDNA sequences placed these mycangial inhabitants and other species of Raffaelea, as well as some species of Ambrosiella associated with ambrosia beetles, into a monophyletic, asexual clade within Ophiostoma. New combinations in Raffaelea are made for some Ambrosiella species and Dryadomyces amasae. Ambrosia beetle symbionts with Ceratocystis affinities, including A. trypodendri comb. nov., are retained in Ambrosiella, but Ambrosiella species associated with bark beetles are transferred to the anamorph genus Hyalorhinocladiella as H. ips, H. macrospora, and H. tingens.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0093-4666}, author = {Harrington, T. C. and Aghayeva, D. N. and Fraedrich, S. W.} } @article {11900, title = {Quantification of Propagules of the Laurel Wilt Fungus and Other Mycangial Fungi from the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle, Xyleborus glabratus}, journal = {Phytopathology}, volume = {100}, number = {10}, year = {2010}, month = {Oct}, pages = {1118-1123}, abstract = {The laurel wilt pathogen, Raffaelea lauricola, is a fungal symbiont of the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus. which is native to Asia and was believed to have brought R. lattricola with it to the southeastern United States. Individual X. glabratus beetles from six populations in South Carolina and Georgia were individually macerated in glass tissue grinders and serially diluted to quantify the CFU of fungal symbionts. Six species of Raffaelea were isolated, with up to four species from an individual adult beetle. The Raffae lea spp. were apparently within the protected, paired, mandibular mycangia because they were as numerous in heads as in whole beetles, and surface-sterilized heads or whole bodies yielded as many or more CFU as did nonsterilized heads or whole beetles. R. lauricola was isolated from 40 of the 41 beetles sampled, and it was isolated in the highest numbers, up to 30,000 CFU/beetle. Depending on the population sampled, R. subalba or R. ellipticospora was the next most frequently isolated species. R. arxii, R. fusca, and R. subfusca were only occasionally isolated. The laurel wilt pathogen apparently grows in a yeast phase within the mycangia in competition with other Raffaelea spp.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0031-949X}, author = {Harrington, T. C. and Fraedrich, S. W.} } @article {11889, title = {Effect of Trap Type, Trap Position, Time of Year, and Beetle Density on Captures of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)}, journal = {Journal of Economic Entomology}, volume = {104}, number = {2}, year = {2011}, month = {April}, pages = {501-508}, abstract = {The exotic redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), and its fungal symbiont Raffaellea lauricola Harrington, Fraedrich, and Aghayeva are responsible for widespread redbay, Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng., mortality in the southern United States. Effective traps and lures are needed to monitor spread of the beetle and for early detection at ports-of-entry, so we conducted a series of experiments to find the best trap design, color, lure, and trap position for detection of X. glabratus. The best trap and lure combination was then tested at seven sites varying in beetle abundance and at one site throughout the year to see how season and beetle population affected performance. Manuka oil proved to be the most effective lure tested, particularly when considering cost and availability. Traps baited with manuka oil lures releasing 5 mg/d caught as many beetles as those baited with lures releasing 200 mg/d. Distributing manuka oil lures from the top to the bottom of eight-unit funnel traps resulted in similar numbers of X. glabratus as a single lure in the middle. Trap color had little effect on captures in sticky traps or cross-vane traps. Funnel traps caught twice as many beetles as cross-vane traps and three times as many as sticky traps but mean catch per trap was not significantly different. When comparing height, traps 1.5m above the ground captured 85\% of the beetles collected but a few were caught at each height up to 15 m. Funnel trap captures exhibited a strong linear relationship (r2 = 0.79) with X. glabratus attack density and they performed well throughout the year. Catching beetles at low densities is important to port of entry monitoring programs where early detection of infestations is essential. Our trials show that multiple funnel traps baited with a single manuka oil lure were effective for capturing X. glabratus even when no infested trees were visible in the area.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0022-0493}, author = {Hanula, James L. and Ulyshen, Michael D. and Horn, Scott} } @article {11887, title = {Biology and host associations of redbay ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), exotic vector of laurel wilt killing redbay trees in the southeastern United States}, journal = {Journal of Economic Entomology}, volume = {101}, number = {4}, year = {2008}, month = {August}, pages = {1276-1286}, type = {Article}, abstract = {The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), and its fungal symbiont, Raffaelea sp., are new introductions to the southeastern United States responsible for the wilt of mature redbay, Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng., trees. In 2006 and 2007, we investigated the seasonal flight activity of X. glabratus, its host associations, and population levels at eight locations in South Carolina and Georgia where infestations ranged from very recent to at least several years old. Adults were active throughout the year with peak activity in early September. Brood development seems to take 50-60 d. Wood infested with beetles and infected with the Raffaelea sp. was similar in attraction to uninfested redbay wood, whereas both were more attractive than a nonhost species. Sassafras, Sassafras albidium (Nutt.) Nees, another species of Lauraceae, was not attractive to X. glabratus and very few beetle entrance holes were found in sassafras wood compared with redbay. Conversely, avocado, Persea americana Mill., was as attractive to X. glabratus as swampbay, P. palustris (Raf.) Sarg., and both were more attractive than the nonhost red maple, Acer rubrum L. However, avocado had relatively few entrance holes in the wood. In 2007, we compared X. glabratus populations in areas where all mature redbay have died to areas where infestations were very active and more recent. Trap catches of X. glabratus and numbers of entrance holes in trap bolts of redbay were correlated with the number of dead trees with leaves attached. Older infestations where mature host trees had been eliminated by the wilt had low numbers of beetles resulting in trap catches ranging from 0.04 to 0.12 beetles per trap per d compared with 4-7 beetles per trap per d in areas with numerous recently dead trees. Our results indicate beetle populations drop dramatically after suitable host material is gone and provide hope that management strategies can be developed to restore redbay trees. The lack of attraction of X. glabratus to sassafras suggests that spread of X. glabratus may slow once it is outside the range of redbay.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0022-0493}, author = {Hanula, James L. and Mayfield, A. E., III and Fraedrich, Stephen W. and Rabaglia, Robert J.} } @article {11888, title = {Manuka oil and Phoebe oil are attractive baits for Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera Scolytinae), the vector of laurel wilt}, journal = {Environmental Entomology}, volume = {37}, number = {6}, year = {2008}, month = {December}, pages = {1403-1409}, type = {Article}, abstract = {Redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleboras glabratus Eichhoff, is a native of Southeast Asia recently established in coastal forests of Georgia, SC and Florida. It vectors a wilt fungus, Raffaelea sp., lethal to redbay trees Persea horbonia L. Spreng, and certain other Lauraceae. No practical monitoring system exists for this beetle so we conducted studies to identify host attractants and develop lures. Volatiles were collected from redbay wood and bark by steam distillation, direct solvent extraction, and dynamic headspace sampling with a Poropak Q cartridge. Steam, methanol, and pentane extracts were tested as baits in trapping trials but were not attractive to X. glabratus. Major constituents in Poropak aerations identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry included [alpha]-pinene, [beta]-pinene, [delta]-3-carene, eucalyptol, p-cymene, [alpha]-copaene terpinene-4-ol, linalool, calamenene, and nonanoic acid. We assayed several of these compounds (including eucalyptol, p-cymene, tetpinene-4-ol, linalool, nonanoic acid and caryophyllene oxide) both individually and in combination, but none were attractive at tested doses. Two other redbay odor components, a-copaene and calamenene, were unavailable in sufficient quantities commercially so we substituted manuka oil, the essential oil extracted from Leptospermum scoparium Forst. and Forst., which contains high proportions of both compounds. Manuka oil was equally attractive as redbay wood to X. glabratus, but increasing release rates >10-fold did not enhance its activity. Phoebe oil, an extract of Brazilian walnut (Phoebe porosa Mez.), which contains significant quantities of a-copaene and calamenene, was also attractive. Fractions of manuka oil were not more attractive than the whole oil. Manuka and phoebe oil are readily available and are good alternatives to redbay wood as a trap bait for monitoring X. glabratus distribution and population trends.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0046-225X}, author = {Hanula, James L. and Sullivan, Brian} } @article {11306, title = {A comparison of arborescent vegetation pre- (1983) and post- (2008) outbreak of the invasive species the Asian ambrosia beetle Xyleborus glabratus in a Florida maritime hammock}, journal = {Plant Ecology \& Diversity}, volume = {2}, number = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {February}, pages = {77-83}, abstract = {Background: An outbreak of the invasive species the Asian ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus) has been devastating populations of Persea borbonia in the southeastern USA. This is the first study to compare pre- and post-outbreak plant diversities in coastal hammock communities. Aims: We compared present-day patterns to those reported before the beetle outbreak. Methods: Vegetation was surveyed in the maritime hammock forest at Little Talbot Island, northeastern Florida, in June 2008. Fifteen 100 m2 quadrats were sampled for density, frequency, and diameter at breast height of arborescent vegetation. Nested within each of the 100 m2 quadrats, an 8 m2 quadrat was sampled for densities of understory taxa. Results: Quercus virginiana remained the most common canopy species when compared with the 1984 data. Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola replaced P. borbonia as the third most common species. Thirty-two percent of adult P. borbonia were dead in 2008. In the understory assemblage, Quercus spp., Sabal palmetto, P. borbonia, Ilex opaca, and I. vomitoria were more abundant in June 2008 than reported in 1984. Conclusions: Changes in structure may be a consequence of the demise of P. borbonia populations. Long-term monitoring of native communities provides a means to understand the effects of exotic pathogens on plant diversity and community structure.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {1755-0874}, author = {Goldberg, Nisse and Heine, John} } @article {10999, title = {FIRST RECORDS OF XYLEBORUS GLABRATUS (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE) IN ALABAMA AND IN HARRISON COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI}, journal = {Florida Entomologist}, volume = {95}, number = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {Mar}, pages = {192-193}, abstract = {Xyleborus glabratus Eichoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is reported from the state ofAlabama and from Harrison County, Mississippi for the first time. Beetle captures from Harrison County,Mississippi represent the western-most detection of X. glabratus in North America. These beetles are disjunct from X.glabratus populations occurring along the Atlanticcoast. This broad division between the two populations of X. glabratus has yet to be explained, and phylogeographic testing is underway to determine if a separate introduction from Asia into Mississippi has occurred.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0015-4040}, author = {Formby, John P. and Schiefer, Terence L. and Riggins, John J.} } @article {8521, title = {Effect of Tree Species and End Seal on Attractiveness and Utility of Cut Bolts to the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Granulate Ambrosia Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)}, journal = {Journal of Economic Entomology}, volume = {105}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, month = {Apr}, pages = {461-470}, abstract = {The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff, is a non-native invasive pest and vector of the fungus that causes laurel wilt disease in certain trees of the family Lauraceae. This study assessed the relative attractiveness and suitability of cut bolts of several tree species to X. glabratus. In 2009, female X. glabratus were equally attracted to traps baited with swampbay (Persea palustris (Rafinesque) Sargent) and camphortree (Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl), which were more attractive than avocado (Persea americana Miller), lancewood (Ocotea coriacea (Swartz) Britton), and sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana L.). These species were more attractive than loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus (L.) J. Ellis). X. glabratus entrance hole density and emergence from caged bolts were highest on swampbay and camphortree. In 2010, swampbay was significantly more attractive to X. glabratus than sassafras (Sassafras albidum (Nuttall) Nees), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), and eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis L.). Sassafras bolts end sealed with a liquid wax-and-water emulsion were more attractive to X. glabratus than end-sealed bolts of yellow poplar and redbud. Relative to unsealed bolts, end seal decreased X. glabratus entrance hole density on swampbay and decreased granulate ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky)) trap catch, entrance hole density, and adult emergence from swampbay. X. crassiusculus was not attracted to sassafras, yellow poplar, and redbud and was not more attracted to manuka oil than to unbaited traps. Sassafras was more attractive to X. glabratus than previously reported and supported reproducing populations of the insect. End sealing bolts with a wax-and-water emulsion may not be optimal for attracting and rearing ambrosia beetles in small logs.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus, Xylosandrus crassiusculus}, isbn = {0022-0493}, author = {Mayfield, A. E., III and Hanula, J. L.} } @article {8519, title = {Ability of the redbay ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to bore into young avocado (Lauraceae) plants and transmit the laurel wilt pathogen (Raffaelea sp.)}, journal = {Florida Entomologist}, volume = {91}, number = {3}, year = {2008}, month = {September}, pages = {485-487}, type = {Article}, abstract = {In 2 no-choice experiments, female redbay ambrosia beetles were released onto young plants of redbay, live oak, and 5 different avocado cultivars of various genetic backgrounds. Beetles bored into all species except live oak, and transmitted the laurel wilt fungus to redbay and all the avocado cultivars except {\textquoteright}Hass{\textquoteright}. Only redbay and {\textquoteright}Simmonds{\textquoteright} avocado plants were killed, suggesting that avocado susceptibility to laurel wilt may vary among plants or cultivars of different genetic background.}, keywords = {Xyleborus glabratus}, isbn = {0015-4040}, author = {Mayfield, A. E., III and Pena, J. E. and Crane, J. H. and Smith, J. A. and Branch, C. L. and Ottoson, E. D. and Hughes, M.} }