Association of the Black Rot Fungus Ciboria batschiana with the Chestnut Weevil Curculio propinquus in Chestnut Orchards in Central Italy

Abstract

The association of the black rot fungus Ciboria batschiana and the chestnut weevil Curculio propinquus was investigated. Insects from a single plantation located in a chestnut area in Viterbo, in the Lazio Region (Italy) were analysed for association with the fungus. Ciboria batschiana was detected in 2 out of 10 adults collected from the ground and 21 out of 22 adults from the trees. Only 33.3% of the larvae were found to be associated to the fungus. The ability of C. propinquus to carry the fungus was confirmed. Its role as a possible vector of this pathogen deserves further study.