MICROBIAL SPECIES ISOLATED FROM THE BARK BEETLE ANISANDRUS-DISPAR F

A microbiological investigation was carried out on the aerobic and fac ultatively aerobic microflora associated with the bark beetle Anisandr us dispar F. During the attack of the insect on hazelnut trees in thre e different geographical areas around Lago di Vico (Viterbo, Italy), b eetles were collected outside as well as inside the trees in the excav ated chambers. Microbiological analysis of the outer surface as well a s elytrae, wings and the whole body of insects allowed the isolation a nd characterization of numerous bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi whose relationship with the anatomy and the geographical location of the insect was evaluated. Moreover, the potential phytopathogenic and/ or entomopathogenic role of some of the species is discussed.