Evidence of fungal structures in the mandible and elytra of Hypocryphalus mangiferae collected from mango trees showing symptoms of mango sudden decline disease

Abstract

Ceratocystis fimbriata plays a significant role in the initiation of the tree decline disease in mango (Mangifera indica L.), which can kill the plant. The C. fimbriata infection is linked with the presence of the beetle Hypocryphalus mangiferae (Curculionidae: Scolytinae). However, it is unknown how H. mangiferae aids in the transport of the fungus between mango trees. The present study aimed to investigate the external surface of H. mangiferae adults using scanning electron microscopy to detect signs of the fungus. Fungal structures were found to adhere to the mandible and elytra of H. mangiferae, implying that H. mangiferae, while moving between mango trees, may spread the fungus through contact. Our findings may be useful in developing strategies to minimize the economic impact caused by diseases through the control of beetles in mango orchards.

Keywords:

• Insect-fungus associations
• mango sudden decline disease
• mango bark beetle
• fungal structures
• insect dissemination

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank VALE, VALE Oman, the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – CNPq), the Brazilian Federal Agency for the Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Ensino Superior – CAPES) Finance Code 001, the Minas Gerais State Research Foundation (Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais – FAPEMIG) for financially supporting this research and Núcleo de Microscopia e Microanálises the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (NMM/UFV) for technical assistance.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.