Platypus quercivorus. [Distribution map].

A new distribution map is provided for Platypus quercivorus (Murayama). Coleoptera: Platypodidae. Hosts: Wide host range but especially Quercus spp. and other Fagaceae. Information is given on the geographical distribution in Asia (India, West Bengal, Indonesia, Java, Japan, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku, Laos, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam).

Neomisticius platypi n. sp. and N. variabilis n. sp. (Tylenchomorpha: Anguinidae) from dead oak trees in Japan

Summary Two new Neomisticius species, typologically and phylogenetically close to each other, are described and illustrated from dead Quercus trees and an ambrosia beetle, Platypus quercivorus. The two species share some stylet morphological characteristics, namely, they both possess a long conus occupying more than half of the total stylet length, a long crustaformeria composed of more than 160 cells (eight rows of more than 20 cells each), and a short and broad female tail with a digitate tip. They are distinguished from each other by N. variabilis n. sp. having a wide, spindle-shaped male bursa with a blunt terminus and N. platypi n. sp. having an oval bursa with a rounded terminus. In addition, the males and females of both species have three large rectal glands and the posterior end of the male testis (distal end of the vas deferens) bears three cells that seemingly function as a valve between the vas deferens and the cloacal tube. These characteristics have not been reported in other tylenchids. Currently, the genus contains only three species: the two new species and N. rhizomorphoides, which has a normal stylet with a short conus, a short crustaformeria, and lacks rectal glands and valve cells in the vas deferens. Therefore, the two new species are readily distinguished from N. rhizomorphoides and, based on the previous definition, may even represent a new genus. However, considering their phylogenetic closeness and biological similarities (e.g., association with ambrosia beetles), the generic definition of Neomisticius was emended to include these new species.

Raffaelea quercivora (Japanese oak wilt).

Raffaelea quercivora, together with ambrosia beetle Platypus quercivorus as a vector, is the causal agent of Japanese oak wilt. P. quercivorus occurs from south to east Asia, including Japan, and is associated with trees in the Fagaceae family. R. quercivora is considered native to Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. In Japan, Quercus serrata and Q. crispula [Q. mongolica] are particularly susceptible to Japanese oak wilt, with high rates of mortality. Although there have been reports of the co-occurrence of R. quercivora and P. quercivorus outside of Japan, tree mortality caused by this species complex has never been recorded in these cases. R. quercivora is not on an alert list or listed as a regulated pest in any part of its native range. Although R. quercivora/P. quercivorus are not considered invasive, if they were introduced into susceptible oak forests, possibly via international transport of wood products, there is potential for them to cause extensive tree mortality in other geographic regions.

Ophiostoma longicollum.

O. longicollum is a perithecial ascomycete that was isolated from the wood of dying oak [Quercus spp.] trees attacked by the wood-boring beetle, Platypus quercivorus, on the west coast of Japan. Neither the pathogenicity of the fungus, nor any definite association with the beetle as a vector, has been established. The beetle is ranked first as a Prioritized Pest for the USA (USDA/APHIS, 2010) and another fungus, shown to be vectored by the beetle, has been associated with tree mortality.

Raffaelea quercivora (Japanese oak wilt).

Raffaelea quercivora, together with ambrosia beetle Platypus quercivorus as a vector, is the causal agent of Japanese oak wilt. P. quercivorus occurs from south to east Asia, including Japan, and is associated with trees in the Fagaceae family. R. quercivora is considered native to Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. In Japan, Quercus serrata and Q. crispula [Q. mongolica] are particularly susceptible to Japanese oak wilt, with high rates of mortality. Although there have been reports of the co-occurrence of R. quercivora and P. quercivorus outside of Japan, tree mortality caused by this species complex has never been recorded in these cases. R. quercivora is not on an alert list or listed as a regulated pest in any part of its native range. Although R. quercivora/P. quercivorus are not considered invasive, if they were introduced into susceptible oak forests, possibly via international transport of wood products, there is potential for them to cause extensive tree mortality in other geographic regions.