Abstract:

Red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens,RTB), which was probably introduced from USA, is one of the most important invasive pests in Chinese forest ecological system. The beetle traits had changed a lot since it was introduced to China, and the changed traits were linked to the abnormal mortality of Pinus tabulaeformis caused by the beetle in the northern China. Ophiostomatoid fungi were wellknown to have widespread symbiotic relationship with the beetles,such as Coleoptera: Scolytidae. The symbiotic fungi were of benefit for the insects to establish their population, and the symbiosis integrated to destruct the defense devices of the host (Pinus tabulaeformis). The paper mainly reviewed the study on the fungi associated with RTB in North American. There are around 10 species of ophiostomatoid fungi recorded associated with RTB in their original regions. Among them, Leptographium terebrantis, L. procerum, L. wingfieldii and Grosmannia wageneri are common and have relatively close associates of RTB. Their morphological features, phylogenetic relationships, life habits and pathogenicity were compared in details. Particular attention should be paid to these important forest pathogens invading to China and causing damage to Chinese forest ecosystem. The research perspective of fungi associated with bark beetle in China was also discussed.

Key words: Dendroctonus valens, associated fungi, ophiostomatoid fungi, Leptographium