Prelims Bits
- Origin: Native to Central and South America.
- India Presence: First reported in Goa (2012) on cashew trees.
- Current Concern: Infesting rubber plantations in Kerala, leading to:
- Rapid defoliation
- Desiccation of trunks
- Decline in latex yield
Biological Features
- Stress Detector: Attracted to ethanol emissions from stressed trees.
- Symbiotic Fungi:
- Fusarium ambrosium and Fusarium solani
- Form obligate mutualism:
- Beetles disperse fungal spores
- Fungi provide mycelial food (nutrient source)
Unique Trait
- Lacks mycangia (spore-carrying sacs), but still transmits fungal spores effectively.
Impact on Trees
- Fungal infection blocks xylem, disrupting water transport and weakening tree structure.