Four New Species of Harringtonia: Unravelling the Laurel Wilt Fungal Genus

Symbiosis between beetles and fungi arose multiple times during the evolution of both organisms. Some of the most biologically diverse and economically important are mutualisms in which the beetles cultivate and feed on fungi. Among these are bark beetles and Harringtonia, a fungal genus that produces Raffaelea-like asexual morph and hosts the causal agent of laurel wilt, H. lauricola (formerly Raffaelea lauricola). In this study, we propose four new species of Harringtonia associated with beetles from Belize and Florida (USA). We hope to contribute towards a more robust and inclusive phylogenetic framework for future studies on these beetle-fungi relationships and their potential impact in crops and forests worldwide.

Automated summary

Symbiotic relationships between beetles and fungi have evolved multiple times, with some of the most diverse and economically important being mutualistic associations where beetles cultivate and feed on fungi. This study proposes four new species of Harringtonia associated with beetles from Belize and Florida, aiming to contribute to a more comprehensive phylogenetic framework for future research on these beetle-fungi relationships and their potential impact on global crops and forests.