Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer

Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer

Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (Euwallacea sp.) is a recently detected beetle that can cause a Fusarium dieback on avocado and other host plants. The disease is caused by a new, yet unnamed Fusarium sp. that forms a symbiotic relationship with the beetle, which serves as the vector. This fungus is inoculated into its hosts by the beetle. The fungus destroys the food and water conducting systems of the tree, eventually causing stress and dieback. The larvae of the beetles within the beetle gallery in infected trees feed on the fungus. For more information, please visit the U.C. Riverside Center for Invasive Species Research at http://cisr.ucr.edu/polyphagous_shot_hole_borer.html.