Identification of the Achilles heels of the laurel wilt pathogen and its beetle vector.

Ambrosia beetles harbor fungal symbionts that serve as food sources for larvae and adults. These beetles lay their eggs along tunnels in xylem sapwood, which is the substrate for fungal growth. Symbiotic fungi of the genus Raffaelea found in invasive and indigenous ambrosia beetles include the highly virulent plant pathogen Raffaelea lauricola affecting members of the Lauraceae family.