Abstract:
In Oman, the bark beetle Hypocryphalus mangiferae is closely associated with trees affected by
mango sudden decline disease caused by Ceratocystis manginecans. Although it has previously
been assumed that this beetle plays a role in the dispersal of the pathogen, this has not been
established experimentally. The aim of this study was to determine whether H. mangiferae
vectors C. manginecans from infected to healthy mango trees. A survey conducted in northern Al
Batinah region of Oman revealed that H. mangiferae was closely associated with mango sudden
decline disease symptoms and it was found on trees in the early stages of the disease. Healthy, 2-
year-old mango seedlings were exposed to H. mangiferae collected from diseased mango trees.
Seedlings were infested by the bark beetles and after 6 weeks, typical mango sudden decline
disease symptoms were observed. Ceratocystis manginecans was isolated from the wilted mango
seedlings while uncolonized control seedlings remained healthy. The results show that H.
mangiferae vectors C. manginecans in Oman and is, therefore, an important factor in the
epidemiology of this disease.
