Drosophila hydei as a Potential Vector of Ceratocystis fimbriata , the Causal Agent of Sweetpotato Black Rot, in Storage Facilities

• Published in: Phytopathology p. PHYTO09230328R
• Main Authors: Stahr, Madison, Lytle, Amanda, Avila, Kelly, Huseth, Anders S, Bertone, Mathew, Quesada-Ocampo, Lina M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2024
• Subjects: postharvest pathology; fungal pathogens; Ceratocystis fimbriata; disease control and pest management
• ISSN: 0031-949X
• DOI: 10.1094/PHYTO-09-23-0328-R

, the causal agent of sweetpotato black rot, is a pathogen capable of developing and spreading within postharvest settings. A survey of North Carolina sweetpotato storage facilities was conducted to determine the arthropods present and identify potential vectors of . Sixteen taxonomic categories were recovered, and the genus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) accounted for 79% of individuals sampled, with being the most abundant species. Behavioral assays were conducted to determine if is attracted to -inoculated roots and if the pathogen could be recovered from external or internal surfaces of the insect. Flies were released in insect-trapping pitchers containing either -inoculated or noninoculated roots or Petri dishes. No significant differences in fly number were detected in sweetpotato-baited pitchers; however, significant differences were found in the pitcher baited with a mature culture. Flies were subjected to washes to determine if viable was present (internally or externally); washes were plated onto carrot agar plates and observed for the presence of colonies. Both external and internal washes had viable inocula with no significant differences, and inoculated sweetpotatoes had a significantly higher number of flies carrying . This study suggests that can carry from infected sweetpotatoes and move viable inocula both externally and internally, making this the first report of any sp. serving as a potential vector for the genus.