Abstract
Abstract Observations of subterranean termites feeding in pine sapwood containing ophiostomatoid fungi prompted the present study aiming to investigate the effect of infection by Leptographium fungi on the probability of encountering subterranean termites in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) roots. Root samples were collected from 2350 loblolly pine trees in Alabama, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi using hand tools. The presence or absence of subterranean termites in the roots was recorded. Samples were plated on malt extract agar and cycloheximide‐streptomycin malt agar and incubated to determine which, if any, fungal species were present. The presence of Leptographium procerum, Leptographium terebrantis or both was significantly associated with an increased presence of subterranean termites in loblolly pine roots. The results obtained in the present study indicate that complex ecological interactions may exist between ophiostomatoid fungi, as carried by root‐feeding bark beetles, and subterranean termites.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
