Fungi associated with Cryphalus rhusi (Scolytinae; Coleoptera) infesting lacquer tree, Toxicodendron vernicifluum

ABSTRACT

We have examined the fungi associated with the scolytid bark beetle, Cryphalus rhusi, which infests the lacquer tree Toxicodendron vernicifluum. The fungi were also evaluated for pathogenicity in T. vernicifluum as a step toward clarifying the potential of the beetle for tree damage. Three fungal species, a Yamadazyma sp., a Fusarium sp., and Penicillium pinophilum were isolated from adult beetles that had emerged from branches. Of these, the Yamadazyma sp. appeared to be a close associate of the beetle, since it was isolated from all individuals used in the study, while the others were much less frequent. Pathogenicity tests revealed that the Fusarium sp. caused slightly larger lesions (by 2 mm) than the negative controls, whereas the Yamadazyma sp. did not cause any symptoms. We conclude that C. rhusi, with its associated fungi, is not likely to be a serious pest for T. vernicifluum.

KEYWORDS:

• Bark beetle
• Candida
• Cryphalini
• Toxicodendron vernicifluum
• Yamadazyma

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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Additional information

Funding

A part of this study was funded by Science and Technology Research Promotion Program for Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industry under the grant No.28027C “Development of High Urushi Lacquer Production and Utilization Technologies for the Succession of Urushi Lacquer Culture in Japan”; and JSPS KAKENHI under the grant No. 26242017 to HM, MT; and JSPS KAKENHI under the grant No.15K18720 to RE.