Platypus koryoensis is an ambrosia beetle recognized as a vector of oak wilt disease in Korea. This study investigated the sex-specific morphology, anatomical structures, and symbiotic microbes of the mycangia of P. koryoensis using field-emission sca...
Platypus koryoensis is an ambrosia beetle recognized as a vector of oak wilt disease in Korea. This study investigated the sex-specific morphology, anatomical structures, and symbiotic microbes of the mycangia of P. koryoensis using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), metabarcoding, and X-ray micro computed tomography (micro-CT). These results provide foundational insight into the relationship between P. koryoensis and its associated microbial symbionts.
FESEM revealed that prothoracic depressions differed in size according to sex and type, and putative fungal cells were observed in all types of depressions. Novel sawtooth-shaped inner processes were observed in female mycangia, and smooth-margin inner processes were identified in male prothoracic depressions. Additionally, crystals were observed exclusively in male prothoracic depressions.
Sex-specific metabarcoding analyses of the prothoracic depressions of P. koryoensis were conducted to characterize the composition of symbiotic microbes. Microbial community diversity differed between sexes, with female adults exhibiting higher fungal diversity. Raffaelea sp. was detected in both sexes but only at low relative abundance and during limited sampling periods. These findings demonstrate sex-specific differences in the symbiotic microbes of P. koryoensis and suggest that male adults may also have the potential to function as vectors of the oak wilt pathogen in Korea.
To examine the ultrastructure of the prothoracic depressions of P. koryoensis, cross sections were analyzed using section-face backscattered electron imaging (BSE imaging) and TEM. Both fungi and bacteria were observed in the depressions of females and males. Ambrosiozyma ascospores were also detected in electron microscopy images and through metabarcoding analysis. Combined with the metabarcoding data, these findings support an expanded definition of the mycangia in P. koryoensis.
To examine the anatomical structures of P. koryoensis, BSE imaging, TEM, and micro-CT analyses were conducted. Three-dimensional reconstructions revealed numerous duct-like structures in both sexes. These ducts were more abundant and elongated in female mycangia, suggesting a more developed mycangial function. Ultrastructural observations showed that all types of depressions were directly connected to glandular cells, confirming their function as mycangia. This study provides baseline data for understanding the interactions among P. koryoensis, oak wilt disease, and symbiotic microbes.