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Eight Fungal Species Associated with Ambrosia Beetles in Korea

Summary

This research identifies eight types of fungi that live in partnership with ambrosia beetles in Korea. These fungi are food sources for beetle larvae and adults. The study found that some fungi have specific relationships with particular beetle species, while others can associate with multiple beetle types. This work helps scientists understand how beetles spread fungi and potentially cause tree diseases like oak wilt.

Background

Ambrosia fungi maintain symbiotic relationships with ambrosia beetles, serving as the sole food source for larvae and adult beetles. While over 50 ambrosia beetle species reside in South Korea, little is known about their fungal symbiotic partners except for one previously reported species associated with oak wilt disease.

Objective

To conduct an extensive survey of fungal symbionts associated with ambrosia beetles dwelling in Korean forests and identify fungal species not previously recorded in Korea. This study aimed to reveal the special symbiotic interactions between ambrosia beetles and their fungal partners.

Results

Eight fungal species previously unrecorded in Korea were identified from 15 ambrosia beetle species across 67 isolates. Seven species belonged to Ascomycota (three Ambrosiella species, one Leptographium verrucosum, two Raffaelea species, and one Sporothrix eucastaneae), while one species belonged to Basidiomycota (Irpex subulatus). Taxonomic descriptions with morphological characteristics were provided for all identified species.

Conclusion

This study represents the first comprehensive documentation of eight ambrosia fungal species in Korea with detailed taxonomic descriptions. The findings support specific associations between individual Ambrosiella species and particular ambrosia beetle species, while demonstrating asymmetric associations for other genera, contributing to understanding of these important symbiotic relationships.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Survey and Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2024.2391629, PMID: 39895926
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