The Punky Wood Ambrosia Beetle and Fungus in Florida that Cause Wood Rot: Ambrosiodmus minor and Flavodon subulatus

Abstract


 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ambrosiodmus minor is an invasive ambrosia beetle in the southeastern United States, including Florida. It is considered of low importance because evident economic or ecological impacts have not been observed. However, it is associated with a unique ambrosia fungus, Flavodon subulatus, which causes rapid wood rot. Wood decay caused by this association between Ambrosiodmus and Flavodon is increasing in dead trees across the introduced range, especially in Florida. This 4-page fact sheet written by Demian F. Gomez and Jiri Hulcr and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation offers guidance in identification of the pest, the symptoms of an infestation, and explanation of the insect?s biology. In addition, we provide an updated overview of contemporary management and monitoring of the species.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr434