A review of Agrilus biguttatus in UK forests and its relationship with acute oak decline

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Brown, N., Inward, D. J. G., Jeger, M. and Denman, S. 2015. A review of Agrilus biguttatus in UK forests and its relationship with acute oak decline. Forestry. 88 (1), pp. 53-63. https://doi.org/10.1093/forestry/cpu039

AuthorsBrown, N., Inward, D. J. G., Jeger, M. and Denman, S.
Abstract

Agrilus biguttatus Fab. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is a European bark-boring beetle whose larvae feed in the vascular tissue of oak trees. Until recently, it was considered rare in Britain, but sightings have become more frequent and it is often found on weakened trees suffering from Acute Oak Decline (AOD). This rapidly acting syndrome is characterized by patches of dark sticky fluid exuding from cracks on the trunk, with areas of necrotic tissue beneath, probably caused by a pathogenic bacterial component. However, the frequent association of AOD with the larval galleries and distinctive adult exit holes of A. biguttatus has raised concerns that the beetle may be contributing to the AOD syndrome or hastening the mortality of affected trees. This review evaluates the potential role of A. biguttatus in the AOD complex. Information on the beetle's life cycle and ecology is assessed along with the apparent increase in its abundance and distribution in the UK, and likely mechanisms of host selection. Oak tree defences against the beetle are discussed, as well as risk factors influencing susceptibility. Research on related Agrilus species is reviewed so that insights into the relationship between the beetle, the bacteria and the host tree can be made through comparisons with more extensively studied species. Possible management options in an AOD context are considered, and priority areas for future research are identified.

Year of Publication2015
JournalForestry
Journal citation88 (1), pp. 53-63
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1093/forestry/cpu039
Open accessPublished as bronze (free) open access
FunderDepartment of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Forestry Commission
Funder project or codeDelivering Sustainable Systems (SS) [ISPG]
The improved understanding of the causes distribution and scale of acute oak decline in the UK: incidence distribution and severity
Publisher's version
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online05 Nov 2014
Copyright licensePublisher copyright
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP)
ISSN0015-752X

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