Xylosandrus compactus (Coleoptera:Scolytidae) detected in Timor-Leste

Publication Date

Thu, 15 Sep 2016, 02:12

Last Updated

Sept. 15, 2016, 2:12 a.m.

Report Number

TLS-01/1

Country

Timor-Leste

Pest Id

Xylosandrus compactus - (XYLSCO)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Coffea arabica

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Present: only in some areas

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Geographical Distribution

Timor-Leste, Railaku Lihu, Ermera, -8.67601S 125.42313E

Summary

A series of adult and larval ambrosia beetles were collected boring into twigs of coffee at a single site in a major coffee growing area. One of the adults was identified as X. compactus, the remainder were identified as X. morigerus (Blandford). Delineating surveys are yet to be conducted to determine the full extent of the infestation.

Danger

This circumtropical species is common throughout humid tropical and subtropical regions. Xylosandrus compactus has not previously been reported from Timor-Leste but is common in neighbouring countries so its presence in Timor-Leste is not surprising. The black twig borer is a major pest of coffee from Asia to Hawaii and is known to also attack other crops such as cacao, mango, avocado and macadamia. The female beetle bores into the heartwood and constructs galleries inoculated with an ambrosia fungus to feed both larvae and adults. The damage is caused by deep excavation of the host plant. Significant losses of coffee crop yields has resulted in extensive studies and implementations of trapping methods and repellent solutions around the world (Burbano et al., 2012). Xylosandrus compactus infests the twigs of a wide range of plant hosts but is unlikely to impact on the trade of coffee beans.

Contact for info

Email: [email protected] Alternate Email: [email protected] Phone: (+670) 3331010 Mobile: +670 77235284

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Issue keywords

Economic impact

Commodity keywords

[09] Coffee, tea, mate and spices