Beetle-Fungus Threat to Rubber Trees | 02 Aug 2025

Source: TH 

The rubber plantation of Kerala is facing a major threat from a beetle-fungi association of ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus) and fungi Fusarium ambrosia and Fusarium solani. 

• Pathogenesis & Impact: 
  • Ambrosia beetles introduce Fusarium fungi into tree xylem, blocking water flow and causing leaf fall, trunk drying, reduced latex yield, and tree death.  
  • It damages tissues and leads to slow healing in trees. 
• Ecological & Health Concerns: 
  • Ambrosia beetles threaten over 80 broadleaf tree species such as cashew, teak, coconut, and coffee.  
  • The Fusarium fungus affects plants, animals, and humans, posing health risks to those with weakened immunity. 
  • The threat may intensify if beetles co-associate  with more virulent fungi, expanding their impact. 
• Control Challenges & Mitigation: 
  • Infections are hard to manage as fungi spread through tissues, soil, and beetles, suppressing other microbes. 
  • Mitigation includes beetle traps, removing infected parts, antifungals, and biocontrol methods like antagonistic fungi, microbial consortia, and GM rubber plants. 

Rubber 

• Rubber is an elastic material derived from the latex or milky sap of  rubber trees (Hevea Brasiliensis).  
  • India is the 3^rd largest producer, 4^th largest consumer of natural rubber, and 5^th largest consumer of natural + synthetic rubber globally. 
  • Kerala (90%) followed by Tripura (around 9%) are leading producer states. 
  • Rubber grows best in 20°–35°C temperatures, over 200 cm annual rainfall, loamy or laterite soil, and sloped or elevated terrain.