Propagation of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus(Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) on Fungi Growing in Pine-Shoot Segments

Abstract

The in vitro propagation of the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, was investigated using pine-shoot segments colonized with fungi which associated with nematode-infected and/or healthy pine trees, Pinus densiflora and P. thunbergii. With exceptions of Penicillium sp., Verticillium sp. and 1 isolate of Trichoderma spp., all other tested fungi were suitable for nematode production. On the most suitable fungi, Ceratocystis sp., PWN population increased quickly. reached the maximum 4 weeks after inoculation and then decreased slowly. The dispersal third-stage larvae (LIII) appeared 2 weeks after inoculation, reached the maximum level when the total PWN population was also the highest, and remained high during the experimental period. The percentage of LIII relative to the total PWN population therefore increased with time. The percentage of LIII was lower on Arthrobotrys sp. and on 2 isolates of Trichoderma spp. than on other tested fungi. The role of these fungi in natural pine stands was discussed with regard to the propagation and survival of PWN. © 1991, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.