2008 Research Highlights
Scientist Follows Redbay Ambrosia Beetles' Southern Footsteps
The redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), accidentally introduced from Asia, carries a symbiotic fungus (Raffaelea sp.) that has been linked to mortality of trees and shrubs from the Lauraceae family. The fungus causes a disease, called laurel wilt, and has been linked to redbay mortality in the coastal regions of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, as well as sassafras mortality in the region. These species are important components of wildlife habitat.
An Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center cooperating scientist at North Carolina State University prepared density maps for the most prominent hosts of redbay ambrosia beetles; researched similarities and differences of the climate in eastern Asia, the native range of the beetle, and the eastern U.S.; and developed a host-weighted model of the beetle’s spread through time. This information will provide tools for state and federal land managers in predicting the likely spread of the beetle and identifying the areas most at risk.
Contact: Bill Bechtold, Forest Health Monitoring team leader, (828) 257-4357, wabechtold@fs.fed.us
Partners: U.S. Forest Service, Southern Research Station; U.S. Forest Service, Forest Health Protection Region 8; Georgia Forestry Commission; South Carolina Forestry Commission; Florida Division of Forestry
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Top photo by Division of Plant Industry Archive, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, www.bugwood.org; Bottom photo by Albert (Bud) Mayfield, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, www.bugwood.org
