Abstract
The ambrosia beetle, Euwallacea fornicatus Eichhoff, was first recorded in Israel in 2009. The symbiotic fungus Fusarium sp., carried in mycacangia located in the anterior region of the female head, is responsible for the typical wilt symptoms inflicted on avocado (Persea americana Miller) trees. The beetle–fungus complex has become a serious threat to the future of the avocado industry in Israel.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Prof. Randy C. Ploetz and Prof. Jorge Peña from the Univ. of Florida, Homestead, Florida, USA, and Michael Noi, Ministry of Agriculture, Israel, for helpful discussions, and the Israeli avocado growers’ organization for partial funding of this research. We also thank Stacy Sink for generating the DNA sequence data reported in this study and Nathane Orwig for running the DNA sequences in NCAUR’s DNA core facility. The mention of firm names or trade products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other firms or similar products not mentioned. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Mendel, Z., Protasov, A., Sharon, M. et al. An Asian ambrosia beetle Euwallacea fornicatus and its novel symbiotic fungus Fusarium sp. pose a serious threat to the Israeli avocado industry. Phytoparasitica 40, 235–238 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-012-0223-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-012-0223-7