X. Zhang et al., A NONDESTRUCTIVE METHOD OF DETERMINING BURSAPHELENCHUS-XYLOPHILUS INFESTATION OF MONOCHAMUS SPP VECTORS, Journal of nematology, 27(1), 1995, pp. 36-41
Pine wilt is caused by the nematode B ursaphelenchus xylophilus, which
is transported to host trees in the trachea of Monochamus spp. (Coleo
ptera: Cerambycidae). The study of the relationship between the nemato
de and its beetle vectors has been hampered by the inability to estima
te nematode presence or density within live beetles. This report descr
ibes a rapid method for estimating nematode load within live M. caroli
nensis and M. alternatus by visual examination of the atrium of the fi
rst abdominal spiracle. Visual estimates of nematode numbers correlate
d highly with actual nematode numbers. This method is a timesaving tec
hnique for determining relative numbers of B. xylophilus in pine wilt
research.