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Member Symposium

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Insect Ecology and Management in Ornamental Landscapes

Sap beetle diversity and their role in the spread of oak wilt in Texas

Sunday, November 9, 2025
8:20 AM - 8:35 AM Pacific
Location: Oregon Convention Center, D139-140, OCC
Oral Presentation
Oak wilt, a lethal disease affecting oak species across Texas, is driven by the fungal pathogen Bretziella fagacearum. While root graft transmission plays a significant role in local spread, long-distance dispersal is largely facilitated by nitidulid sap beetles, which carry fungal spores from infected red oaks to healthy trees. This study explores the diversity and flight activity of sap beetles in oak wilt-affected regions, emphasizing their role in disease epidemiology. Over two years (2022–2024), fermentation and lure-baited traps deployed in Texas captured 1,618 beetles representing eleven sap beetle species. Of 431 specimens screened, a subset tested positive for B. fagacearum DNA, reaffirming their potential as vectors. Our findings suggest species-specific seasonality and interactions with fungal mats, underlining the importance of understanding beetle ecology for effective oak wilt management. These insights are crucial for developing targeted control strategies, improving early detection, and informing landowner outreach efforts in disease-prone regions.