EPPO Bulletin (2017) 47, 100-103

A. Vannini, M. Contarini, M. Faccoli, M. Dalla Valle, C.M. Rodriguez, T. Mazzetto, D. Guarneri, A.M. Vettraino and S. Speranza (2017)
First report of the ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus and associated fungi in the Mediterranean maquis in Italy, and new host–pest associations
EPPO Bulletin 47 (1), 100-103
Abstract: In September 2016, a survey conducted in the Circeo National Park revealed an outbreak and serious damage caused by the black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus) and its associated fungi in the Mediterranean maquis. Among the affected hosts, Quercus ilex, Viburnum tinus, Ruscus aculeatus, Pistacia lentiscus, Laurus nobilis and Ceratonia siliqua, showed flagging and wilting of branches and, in younger individuals, the death of the whole plant occurred. In total, 18 different fungal taxa were found associated with the insect. These included Ambrosiella xylebori, Geosmithia pallida, Fusarium spp., Epicoccum nigrum and Bionectria sp. This is the first report in Europe of X. compactus and associated ambrosia fungi in a natural environment.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Andrea Vannini, Anna Maria Vettraino, Massimo Faccoli, Stefano Speranza, Mario Contarini

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
surveys/sampling/distribution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Xylosandrus compactus	Oak (Quercus)	Italy
	Xylosandrus compactus	Pistachio nut and relatives (Pistacia)	Italy
	Xylosandrus compactus	Laurel (Laurus nobilis)	Italy
	Xylosandrus compactus	Viburnum (crop)	Italy
	Xylosandrus compactus	Ruscus (crop)	Italy
	Epicoccum nigrum		Italy