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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2025, Vol. 61 ›› Issue (1): 17-25.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.LYKX20230044

• Special subject: Infusing Science into the Great Green Wall • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Pityphthorus morosovi Infesting Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica and Its Potential Role in Spreading Pine Dieback Pathogen

Caixia Liu1(),Huimin Wang1,Meili Zhang2,Lingyu Liang1,Yanglian Cai3,Yang Wang4,Zheng Wang5,Quan Lü1,*()   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry Beijing 100091
    2. Huanan City Forestry and Grass Bureau, Jiamusi City,Heilongjiang Province Huanan 154403
    3. The Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Government of Hengxi Town, Lanxi City, Zhejiang Province Cixi 321118
    4. Agriculture and Rural Office, Comprehensive Service Center, Qiantan Town, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province Qiantan 311602
    5. College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University Tai’an 271018
  • Received:2024-01-22 Online:2025-01-25 Published:2025-02-09
  • Contact: Quan Lü E-mail:luicx123@126.com;luquan@caf.ac.cn

Abstract:

Objective: In this study, morphological description and phylogenetic analysis were conducted on a twig beetle species that damages Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica. The fungi in the galleries produced by the insect were isolated, purified and identified to clarify the taxonomic status of this twig beetle and its interaction with pine dieback pathogen. The study would provide a basis for controlling diseases and pests in the Three-North protection forest of P. sylvestris var. mongolica. Method: The phylogenetic analysis method based on morphological characteristics and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene fragment was used to identify the species of the twig beetle. Additionally, traditional approaches and phylogenetic tree based on ITS sequences were used to obtain the fungal recognition from the galleries of the twig beetle. Result: It was confirmed that the twig beetle belonged to Pityophthorus morosovi using combination of morphological observation, DNA sequences alignment and phylogenetic analysis. This twig beetle was cylindrical and the body length was approximately 1.46–2.00 mm. The basal part of the pronotum contained scale-like tubercles densely covered with hairs, the rear half and the elytra contained distinct punctures and blunt ends on the elytra. Meanwhile, 42 fungal strains were isolated from the galleries, belonging to 4 genera 4 species. Diplodia sapinea was the dominant fungus of P. morosovi, accounting for more than 60%. Conclusion: It is the first time to determine P. sylvestris var. mongolica as a new host tree species for the twig beetle. Phylogenetic analysis has revealed the genetic relationship of this twig beetle with other species. This study supplies genetic data for biodiversity of bark beetles. Meanwhile, it is found that D. sapinea was the dominant symbiotic fungus of twig beetle, speculating that P. morosovi may be a vector of the pine dieback pathogen.

Key words: twig beetles, morphological identification, Diplodia sapinea, phylogenetic analysis, pine dieback pathogen

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