Xyleborus bispinatus Reared on Artificial Media in the Presence or Absence of the Laurel Wilt Pathogen (Raffaelea lauricola).

Like other members of the tribe Xyleborini, Eichhoff can cause economic damage in the Neotropics. has been found to acquire the laurel wilt pathogen (T. C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva) when breeding in a host affected by the pathogen. Its role as a potential vector of is under investigation. The main objective of this study was to evaluate three artificial media, containing sawdust of avocado ( Mill.) and silkbay ( Nash.), for rearing under laboratory conditions. In addition, the media were inoculated with to evaluate its effect on the biology of . There was a significant interaction between sawdust species and for all media. Two of the media supported the prolific reproduction of , but the avocado-based medium was generally more effective than the silkbay-based medium, regardless whether or not it was inoculated with . had a neutral or positive effect on beetle reproduction. The pathogen was frequently recovered from beetle galleries, but only from a few individuals which were reared on inoculated media, and showed limited colonization of the beetle's mycangia. Two media with lower water content were most effective for rearing .