Small lopsided fruit from greening-infected citrus tree. UF/IFAS File Photo.
Ambrosia beetles are not typically found in citrus trees, but Dr. Andrew Johnson of the Hulcr Lab at the University of Florida recently helped Lauren Diepenbrock of the Florida Extension Service to identify an exception. The cooperation between Diepenbrock and Johnson was reported by The Orlando Ledger.
Euplatypus compositus was identified as a culprit in the death of a commercial grove of orange trees in Hernando, Florida, which had been weakened by citrus greening and excessive rain. E. compositus is a native ambrosia beetle which is attracted to trees that are already stressed or dying.
Johnson has identified tens of thousands of samples of bark and ambrosia beetles on behalf of the Hulcr Lab. His expertise is available to any other scientists or forest professionals who require assistance identifying bark and ambrosia beetles.