Vectors of Dutch Elm Disease in Northern Europe

Insects. 2021 Apr 29;12(5):393. doi: 10.3390/insects12050393.

Abstract

Potential Dutch elm disease vector beetle species were caught with pheromone bottle traps and handpicked in 2019: in total, seven species and 261 specimens were collected. The most common was Scolytus triarmatus, but by percent, the incidence of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi was highest in Scolytus scolytus, followed by Xyleborinus saxesenii and S. triarmatus. We analysed the beetles' DNA using PacBio sequencing to determine vector beetles of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi. Ophiostoma novo-ulmi was found on six out of seven analysed beetle species: Scolytus scolytus, S. triarmatus, S. multistriatus, S. laevis, Xyleborinus saxesenii and Xyleborus dispar. The last two beetles were detected as vectors for Ophiostoma novo-ulmi for the first time. Previous knowledge on the spread of beetles is discussed.

Keywords: DED; Ophiostoma novo-ulmi; PacBio sequencing; Scolytus spp.; Xyleborinus saxesenii; Xyleborus dispar; climate change; pheromone trap.