Asian Longhorned Beetle Anoplophora Glabripennis Research Articles

Virulence and Pathological Characteristics of a New Metarhizium anisopliae Strain against Asian Long-Horn Beetle Anoplophora glabripennis Larvae

The Asian long-horn beetle (ALB) is a serious wood-boring insect. Continuous isolation of different fungal strains is vital for using fungi for the control of ALB. The virulence and pathological characteristics of a new Metarhizium anisopliae strain DES3 isolated from the desert afforestation stands against the larvae of ALB were assessed in this study. The corrected mortality reached 100% at the conidial concentration of 109 and 108 conidia/mL, and 91.11 ± 4.44% at 107 conidia/mL. Similarly, the LC/LT showed high virulence as well. Meanwhile, the virulence of a commercial M. anisopliae strain against the ALB larvae was evaluated. The corrected mortality was only 33.33% at 109 conidia/mL, and less than 10% at 108 conidia/mL. The pathological characteristics after infection by the M. anisopliae strain DES3 were evident, mainly embodied in the rupture of the adipose tissue, muscle tissue, and midgut. But there was no obvious change after infection by the commercial M. anisopliae strain. In conclusion, these results establish that the M. anisopliae strain DES3 has high virulence in a dosage-dependent manner against ALB larvae, indicating the potential of fungal strain DES3 to be developed as biopesticide for biocontrol of A. glabripennis.

Potential effects of RNA interference of Asian longhorned beetle on its parasitoid.

It is important to understand how non-target insects such as parasitoids may be impacted directly or indirectly by RNA interference with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that has emerged as a novel pest control tool. We examined the potential effects of a dsRNA targeting an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) of the Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis on its gregarious larval ectoparasitoid Ontsira mellipes, directly on adult wasp's survival via injection of 4μg of dsIAP per wasp, and indirectly on the detectability and suitability of host larvae injected with 2, 4 or 8μg of dsIAP per larva. Compared with no injection or injection with a control dsGFP targeting a region of gene coding for a green fluorescence protein (GFP), dsIAP did not affect adult wasp's survival. Ontsira mellipes locates hosts in the wood by sensing their movement. Host larvae did not completely cease movement after the injection of dsIAP and were still detected and parasitized. Clutch size was reduced and only 3.8% of the parasitoid offspring developed into adults on host larvae treated at the highest dose. However, clutch size was not affected and 25.5% of the parasitoid offspring developed into adults on host larvae treated at the lowest dose. The fitness of developed wasps (development time, sex ratio, body size, and fecundity) was not affected when compared to the control treatments. No dsIAP was detected in parasitoid larvae. The results show no direct effect of the dsRNA on its parasitoid, but the potential indirect effect of dsRNA-affected host on the parasitoid, which may be minimized through optimizing dsRNA dosage to promote compatible applications of both management options for this invasive forest pest. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Specified host plants of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) - are lime trees and beech trees really at risk?

The Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (ALB) is a dreaded quarantine pest that attacks a wide range of hardwood tree species. However, some of the specified host plants which have to be eradicated in infestation zones such as lime and beech trees almost never get infested or may even be resistant to the ALB. As a result, the specified host plant list needs to be revised based on the data from the infestation areas in the EU, in order to avoid further felling of whole lime avenues and major clear-cutting in parks with old growth. As large differences may exist between species of the same genus, exact species not merely genera should be specified on the host list.

Mating behavior between alien Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and a native related species Anoplophora chinensis in Japan

Mating behavior between alien Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and a native related species Anoplophora chinensis in Japan

A local risk map using field observations of the Asian longhorned beetle to optimize monitoring activities

AbstractThe Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is one of the most dangerous xylophagous pests affecting broadleaf trees in the world. Eradication programmes are undertaken in non‐native regions, requiring extensive resources and involving high costs. An adapted strategy must be set up to optimize the ratio cost/probability of success. We developed a method to generate a risk index of A. glabripennis presence at a local scale, in the surrounding area of an infestation, using field observations (counts of adult insects, exit holes and infested trees). The method, mathematically based on the bivariate symmetric Laplace distribution, has thus reasonable input requirements. The output risk map is easy to interpret and can be directly used by decision‐makers. We used our approach in three infestations in Switzerland. The risk map represented well the insect pressure (beetle population density). We highlighted the fact that survey boundaries, commonly chosen using constant distances from the infestation, should be selected regarding the spatial distribution of the insect pressure, to prioritize monitoring activities. The risk map provides a helpful instrument for advanced survey planning after a first overview, for example to decide which area and which host trees should be inspected for infestations.

Odorant receptors and antennal lobe morphology offer a new approach to understanding olfaction in the Asian longhorned beetle.

The Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Motchulsky) is an exotic forest pest that has repeatedly invaded North America and Europe from Asia, and has the potential to kill millions of trees and cause billions of dollars in damage. Traps baited with an attractive mixture of volatile organic compounds from hosts have been of limited success in monitoring invasion sites. We propose that lures might be improved through studying the olfactory system of adult beetles, especially the gene family of odorant receptors (ORs) and the structure of the antennal lobes of the brain. Here, we report identification of 132 ORs in the genome of A. glabripennis (inclusive of one Orco gene and 11 pseudogenes), some of which are orthologous to known pheromone receptors of other cerambycid beetles. We also identified three ORs that are strongly biased toward expression in the female transcriptome, and a single OR strongly biased toward males. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the antennal lobes of adults suggested a male-specific macroglomerulus and several enlarged glomeruli in females. We predict that functional characterization of ORs and glomeruli will lead to identification of key odorants in the life history of A. glabripennis that may aid in monitoring and controlling future invasions.

Antennal transcriptome analysis of the Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis.

Olfactory proteins form the basis of insect olfactory recognition, which is crucial for host identification, mating, and oviposition. Using transcriptome analysis of Anoplophora glabripennis antenna, we identified 42 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 12 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 14 pheromone-degrading enzymes (PDEs), 1 odorant-degrading enzymes (ODE), 37 odorant receptors (ORs), 11 gustatory receptors (GRs), 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), and 4 ionotropic receptor (IR). All CSPs and PBPs were expressed in antennae, confirming the authenticity of the transcriptome data. CSP expression profiles showed that AglaCSP3, AglaCSP6, and AglaCSP12 were expressed preferentially in maxillary palps and AglaCSP7 and AglaCSP9 were strongly expressed in antennae. The vast majority of CSPs were highly expressed in multiple chemosensory tissues, suggesting their participation in olfactory recognition in almost all olfactory tissues. Intriguingly, the PBP AglaPBP2 was preferentially expressed in antenna, indicating that it is the main protein involved in efficient and sensitive pheromone recognition. Phylogenetic analysis of olfactory proteins indicated AglaGR1 may detect CO2. This study establishes a foundation for determining the chemoreception molecular mechanisms of A. glabripennis, which would provide a new perspective for controlling pest populations, especially those of borers.

Timing and duration of the life cycle of Asian longhorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in southern England

AbstractIn March 2012, an outbreak of Asian longhorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a quarantine pest that is highly damaging to broadleaved trees, was discovered at Paddock Wood in southern England. Infested trees were felled as part of an eradication programme, but material that contained A. glabripennis life stages was retained and analyzed to provide information on the timing and length of the life cycle, as an aid to future management and surveillance. A total of 366 A. glabripennis larvae were recovered, including 69 first‐ and second‐instar larvae found in June and July before any adults were found in the samples or had emerged, which indicated that the majority of eggs were laid in the previous autumn and over‐wintered before hatching. Tree ring analysis and predictions of the timing of adult emergence based on degree‐day accumulation also indicated that adults emerged late in the season, from August onwards, when lower temperatures would have caused most eggs to delay hatching until the next year. Two cohorts of older, established larvae were present in the samples, corresponding to larvae that had over‐wintered once and twice, respectively. Thus, most larvae required two seasons to complete their development after hatching and a total of 3 years to complete the full life cycle from egg to adult.

Life history of the Asian longhorn beetleAnoplophora glabripennis(Coleoptera Cerambycidae) in southern Europe

The Asian longhorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis is highly polyphagous and widely spread over regions with different climates. Determining the key life-history traits is important for understanding how local conditions affect its successful establishment and to develop adaptive management strategies. 2 Field and laboratory studies were conducted from 2010 to 2012 on an A. glabripennis infestation in Northern Italy, aiming to determine its seasonal phenology, adult beetle longevity, density of successful emergence, infestation age and overwintering life history. 3 Adult beetle emerged from infested trees from 22 May to 28 June. Ninety percent of emergence was reached around 20 July. The first 1% of emergence was accurately predicted by an accumulated degree-day model. 4 In the laboratory, the mean longevity of males and females developed under natural conditions was 27.8 ± 1.7 and 24.9± 1.8 days, respectively. In northern Italy, A. glabripennis largely overwinter as mature larvae in the xylem. The mean density of exit holes was 24.0 ± 2.7 holes/m 2 of bark, with successful emergence from branches as small as 3.2 cm in diameter. Although the infestation was discovered in June 2009, the oldest exit hole found in infested trees dated from 2005.

Host plant selection and resource utilisation by Asian longhorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in southern England

InFebruary2012,anoutbreakofAsianlonghornbeetle,Anoplophoraglabripennis(Motschulsky),wasdiscoveredat Paddock Wood in Kent, in southern England, next to a small industrial premise where a previous company had imported stone from China. Anoplophora glabripennis is a serious pest of deciduous broadleaved trees and is native to China, but it has been transported around the world in wood packaging material. Its discovery at Paddock Wood prompted an eradication programme in which all infested trees and any trees within 100 m that could have acted as a host for the beetle were felled and destroyed. Out of a total of 2229 trees felled, 66 were found to contain A. glabripennis life stages and exit holes, ranging in size from small trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 5 cm to mature trees with a DBH of .80 cm. The most important host was sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus. Twenty-six per cent of all A. pseudoplatanus growing within the infestation area were attacked by A. glabripennis, and this species contained 70 and 98 per cent of the total larvae and adult exit holes, respectively. In comparison, only 3 per cent of field maple (Acer campestre), poplars (Populus spp.), willow (Salix spp.) and birch (Betula pendula) were attacked. Larvae and pupae were found in branches with a diameter as small as 2.1 cm, but most occurred in stems and branches 4‐10 cm in diameter. Larvae and pupae in small branchessufferedhighratesofmortality,especiallyfrompredationbywoodpeckers.ThedetailedinformationcollectedfromthisoutbreakhelpstoclarifythehostpreferencesofA.glabripennisand,withregardtosurveyandmonitoring, it indicates those tree species and parts of the tree where the pest is most likely to be found.

A Mathematical Model for the Spatial Spread and Biocontrol of the Asian Longhorned Beetle

We propose a mathematical model, of four coupled delay differential equations, for control of the Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis by one of its natural predators, the cylindrical bark beetle Dastarcus longulus or another predator with similar characteristics. It is a predator prey interaction at the larval rather than adult level which creates interesting modeling challenges. We specify the birth rate only for A. glabripennis and calculate the birth rate of the control agent D. longulus by keeping track of its consumption of larval A. glabripennis biomass and using the idea of conversion of biomass. We prove rigorous results on the stability of equilibria and on persistence of D. longulus, and we make an assessment of the kinds of characteristics that enable D. longulus, or any similar control agent, to effectively control A. glabripennis. A pest such as A. glabripennis will destroy its habitat and must continually find new host trees. Even though our model does not have explicit spatial ...

Cloning and Expression of cDNA encoding a Cysteine Protease Inhibitor from clamworm and its possible use in managing Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

A cDNA encoding cysteine protease inhibitor (CPI) was isolated from the cDNA library of clamworm Perinereis aibuhitensis Grube. The deduced amino acid sequence analysis showed that the protein had 51%, 48%, and 48% identity with Zgc:153129 from Danio rerio, cystatin B from Theromyzon tessulatum and ChainA, stefin B tetramer from Homo sapiens, respectively. The gene was cloned into the intracellular expression vector pET-15b and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant CPI (PA-CPI) was purified by affinity chromatography on Ni-charged resin and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose FF. The relative molecular mass of PA-CPI was 16 KDa deduced by SDS-PAGE. Activity analysis showed that the recombinant protein could inhibit the proteolytic activity of papain. A constitutive and secretive expression vector was also constructed, and the cDNA encoding CPI was subcloned into the vector for extracellular expression. Western blotting analysis results showed that the PA-CPI was secreted into the medium. Bioassay demonstrated that E. coli DH5alpha harboring pUC18ompAcat-CPI showed a significant difference in mortality to the Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis compared with untransformed E. coli DH5alpha and control.

Anoplophora glabripennis infestation (col.: cerambycidae) in Italy

In June 2007, the Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) was found at Corbetta, in Lombardy, 23 km west of Milan, Italy. The invasive exotic pest was observed in four host trees, one sycamore maple Acer pseudoplatanus L. and three silver birches Betula pendula Rothmahler. During summer 2007, 20 living and 107 dead A. glabripennis beetles were collected on or around the infested trees. The dissection of the infested material showed that 287 beetles emerged from the trees during previous years and 158 living larvae of varied ages were still developing in April, 2008. Fortunately, it appears that predation by birds on early stage larvae developing under the bark, played a major role in limiting the developing pest population. A. glabripennis is native to China and Korea where it is considered as a serious pest of many deciduous trees including maples, poplars, and willows. During the last decade, it was accidentally introduced into the USA, Canada, Austria, Germany and France in wood packaging material of goods imported from China. The current discovery in Italy is the first record of the Asian pest in this country.

Potential Geographic Distribution of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in North America

Abstract The potential for ecological and economic damage caused by invasive species is only beginning to be appreciated. A recently arrived, and particularly worrisome, invader in North America is the Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), the larvae of which damage trees and forests. The geographic extent and likely path of its possible invasion of North American forests, however, are unknown. Herein, we develop and test ecological niche models for the species based on features of climate from the species' native distribution in eastern Asia, and then project them onto North America to identify areas of potential distribution. These models suggest that the species has the potential to invade much of eastern North America, but only limited areas in western North America, and that a focus of initiation of invasions is likely to lie in the area south of the Great Lakes. This result is particularly clear under modeled scenarios of spread and contagion.