Publications by authors named "Deena Husein"
The Euwallacea fornicatus species complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) is a group of four cryptic ambrosia beetle species. Native to Asia, several members of the complex have invaded other continents, where they cause significant economic losses to agricultural crops (e.g.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe cryptic species that make up the species complex can be readily distinguished via their DNA sequences. Until recently, it was believed that the Hawaiian Islands had been invaded by only one of these cryptic species, (tea shot hole borer; TSHB). However, following the 2016 deposition of a DNA sequence in the public repository GenBank, it became evident that another species, (polyphagous shot hole borer; PSHB), had been detected in macadamia orchards on Hawai'i Island (the Big Island).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Researchers studied the Euwallacea fornicatus beetle species complex in Taiwan, noting their relationship with various ambrosia fungi that serve as their food source.
- The study found that these beetles engage in promiscuous mutualism, utilizing multiple fungal species rather than being limited to one specific type.
- A new diagnostic PCR test was developed to analyze the mating types of the ambrosial Fusaria clade fungi, revealing that they are all heterothallic, allowing for genetic diversity among the fungi associated with the beetles.