LAUSR

Fusarium euwallaceae is a vascular fungal pathogen vectored by the ambrosia beetle Polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) (Euwallacea sp. nr. fornicatus) which was recently introduced in California and together cause Fusarium Dieback on multiple hardwood tree species. During previous surveys done by Eskalen et al. 2013, several Prunus spp. were identified as reproductive hosts for this pest-disease complex. Nonetheless, the suitability of almond as a reproductive host for this pest-disease complex remains unknown despite the significant production of almond in California, which accounts for 82% of the world’s total production (The Almond Board of California 2015). Moreover, the northern advancement of invasive shot hole borers into the coastal counties of Santa Barbara and recently in San Luis Obispo has raised concerns about the potential progression of the beetle into the San Joaquin Valley, where the majority of almonds are grown. The beetles cause the most damage on reproductive hosts due to mass accumula...