Distribution of nematodes (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in the beetle monochamus alternatus and its exiting transmission way

Abstract

This paper reports the distribution of the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in the beetle of Monochamus alternatus by dissection under a microscope and the nematode transmission way exiting the body of the beetle by its mating and feeding. The results showed a small number of nematodes in the beetle tracheae; 87.9% nematodes distributed in the coelom of the beetle; numerous nematodes distributed in the phallus. This is a previously unknown pathway of nematodes, transmitting from the phallobase to the ovipositor by beetle mating, following infection of pine trees by egg-laying. Only a few nematodes infect pines during beetle feeding on twigs for sex maturity. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.