Researchers Study Ambrosia Beetle Species to Determine Native Ranges and Identify Possible Natural Enemies
Ambrosia beetles — now known to California avocado growers as the Polyphagous and Kuroshio shot hole borers — have invaded numerous areas outside their native range, causing substantial damage to avocado and other tree species. Drs. Richard Stouthamer and Akif Eskalen and their team conducted phylogenetic research to identify cryptic ambrosia beetle species in an effort to determine the native range of the species that have invaded California.
Effectiveness of Chipping and Solarization in Limiting the Emergence and Activity of Shot Hole Borers
With the emergence and spread of the polyphagous shot hole borer through Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, researchers at the University of California Riverside examined means of reducing the spread of the beetle when transporting wood from infected trees.
Obtaining Biocontrol agents against Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer from SE-Asia.
Goal of the work was to improve obtain natural enemies for the Polyphagous and Kuroshio shot hole borers in California.
Trapping Optimization and Development of “attract and kill” strategy for the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in avocado
Goal of the work was to improve our ability to trap the beetles for detection of the invasive shot-hole borers.
Diagnostic Detection, Biology, and Management of Invasive Shot Hole Borers and Fusarium Dieback in California
Invasive ambrosia beetles (Euwallacea spp.) commonly called shot hole borers (SHB) have been posing a threat to avocado groves as well as urban landscape and wildlands in California. Previous studies show that SHB tend to colonize primary, secondary and tertiary branches including branch collars of avocado. Therefore, effective management strategies for commercial avocado groves are limited to removal of infested branches to reduce beetle populations. However, some beetle galleries still remain around the branch collar which support future beetle reproduction and spread This investigation into pesticides for use in avocado against California invasive pest E. whitfordiodendrus commonly known as the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) and FD indicate pesticide candidates have significant effectiveness against PSHB and their fungal symbionts in vitro and in field trials.
