Ambrosia Beetle-Fungi Duo Threatens Kerala’s Rubber Plantations

Why in NEWS

Kerala’s rubber plantations face a severe threat from the ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus) and associated Fusarium fungi, endangering tree health and latex output.

Key Term	Explanation
Ambrosia Beetle	A type of bark beetle that bores into trees and introduces fungal pathogens.
Fusarium ambrosia / solani	Fungi that block xylem vessels, causing wilting, tissue damage, and tree death.
Latex	Milky sap harvested from rubber trees used in rubber production.
IEPF	Investor Education and Protection Fund—unrelated here but often confused term.

Key Impacts and Concerns

Aspect	Details
Pathogenesis	Beetles inject Fusarium fungi into xylem, blocking water flow, causing leaf fall, trunk drying.
Agricultural Impact	Reduced latex yield, slow healing of trees, tree mortality.
Ecological Threat	Affects over 80 species including cashew, coconut, teak, and coffee.
Human Health Risk	Fusarium can infect immunocompromised individuals.
Potential for Worsening	Beetles may associate with more virulent fungi, amplifying damage.

Control & Mitigation Strategies

Methods	Details
Beetle traps	Trap and reduce beetle population.
Pruning infected parts	Physical removal of diseased wood.
Chemical antifungals	Suppress fungal growth.
Biological control	Use of antagonistic fungi or microbial consortia.
Genetic modification	Development of GM rubber trees resistant to fungal invasion.

Rubber in India

Factor	Details
Top Producer	Kerala (90% of India’s rubber production)
Other Producer	Tripura (~9%)
Optimal Conditions	20°–35°C temp, 200+ cm rainfall, loamy/laterite soil
Global Ranking	3rd in production, 4th in natural rubber consumption

In a nutshell

“Beetle + Fungus = Kerala’s Rubber Crisis”
Memory Code: BAF-RUB
(Beetle-Ambrosia-Fusarium → Rubber impact)

Prelims Practice Questions

1. Consider the following statements regarding the ambrosia beetle:
   1. It directly consumes the latex of rubber trees.
   2. It introduces pathogenic fungi into the tree’s vascular system.
   3. It only affects rubber trees.
      Which of the above statements is/are correct?
      (a) 1 and 2 only
      (b) 2 only
      (c) 2 and 3 only
      (d) 1 and 3 only
2. Which of the following conditions are ideal for rubber cultivation?
   1. Temperature between 20°–35°C
   2. Annual rainfall below 100 cm
   3. Loamy or laterite soil
   4. High altitude plains
      Select the correct answer:
      (a) 1 and 3 only
      (b) 2 and 4 only
      (c) 1, 3, and 4 only
      (d) 1, 2, and 3 only
3. Fusarium fungi are known to affect which of the following?
   1. Rubber trees
   2. Coffee plants
   3. Human immune system
      Choose the correct code:
      (a) 1 and 2 only
      (b) 2 and 3 only
      (c) 1 and 3 only
      (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answers Table – Prelims

Qn	Answer	Explanation
1	(b)	The beetle does not consume latex but introduces fungi into xylem tissues.
2	(a)	Rubber needs >200 cm rainfall and loamy/laterite soil—not low rainfall.
3	(d)	Fusarium affects plants (rubber, coffee) and can infect immunocompromised humans.