Morpho-molecular identification of the bark beetle Hylesinus macmahoni (Stebbing, 1909) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) infesting Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (Wall. & G.Don) Cif., along with a brief biological synopsis

Abstract

Abstract In Jammu and Kashmir's Govindpora (Ramban) and Salamabad (Baramulla), horticultural nurseries with a majority of Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (Wall. & G.Don) Cif. plantings were examined for possible bark beetle attacks. These olive tree plantations are infested with a variety of insect pests, but the bark beetle Hylesinus macmahoni (Stebbing, 1909) did significant harm to the olive trees that carry fruit. The beetle attacks and consumes the phloem tissues of the plant during its development, causing the afflicted trees to become weak and eventually die. At both sites, infestations of H. macmahoni were discovered. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was used to validate the species' diagnosis, and its morphological characteristics were re-described. The species has a polygynous matting system (one male and two females), producing two full and a third partial generation annually in Kashmir.