PacBio sequencing of the fungal mutualists associated with Xylosandrus crassiusculus found on avocado

This study aimed to survey ambrosia beetle populations in South African avocado orchards to detect the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) (Euwallacea fornicatus) and other potentially harmful ambrosia beetles that could potentially vector pathogens. This was followed by subsequent metabarcoding studies to identify potential pathogens associated with the most prevalent beetle species. Results from this study revealed that avocado in South Africa hosts seven Scolytine species with Xylosandrus crassiusculus being the most prevalent. Metabarcoding results identified 31 OTUs (operational taxonomic units) and revealed that X. crassiusculus hosts a functionally diverse fungal community including plant pathogens. The pathogenicity of Ambrosiella roeperi was investigated on commonly planted avocado cultivars including Hass, Fuerte and Pinkerton in a greenhouse trial and revealed that A. roeperi caused disease on this host.

本研究旨在对南非鳄梨园中的食尸虫种群进行调查，以检测多食性穿洞甲虫（PSHB，学名 Euwallacea fornicatus）及其他可能携带病原体的有害食尸虫。随后，通过后续的元条形码研究来识别与最常见的甲虫种类相关的潜在病原体。研究结果显示，南非的鳄梨植株宿主有七个鞘翅目甲虫物种，其中 Xylosandrus crassiusculus 是最常见的。元条形码分析识别出 31 个操作分类单元（OTUs），并揭示了 X. crassiusculus 携载一个功能多样的真菌群落，包括植物病原体。在温室试验中，对常见的鳄梨栽培品种（包括哈斯、富特和粉红顿）上的 Ambrosiella roeperi 的致病性进行了研究，结果显示 A. roeperi 在此宿主上引起病害。