Current affairs 23rd July By Right IAS
Ambrosia Beetle–Fungus Threat to Rubber Plantations
Identification of the Problem Kerala’s rubber trees are facing severe leaf fall and drying due to a pest attack. The culprit: Ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus) and two fungi Fusarium ambrosia and Fusarium solani. This is the first time F. solani has been found associated with adult ambrosia beetles. Beetle-Fungus Mutualism Ambrosia beetles live symbiotically with certain fungi called ambrosia fungi. The beetles bore tunnels (galleries) into tree bark and introduce fungi there. The fungi feed on the wood and release nutrients; beetles and their larvae feed on fungal mycelia. Fungi also release enzymes that weaken the wood, allowing deeper penetration.
Damage to Rubber Trees Structural weakening of wood and xylem blockage. Severe leaf fall, drying of the trunk, and in some cases, tree death. Decline in latex production, leading to economic losses for farmers. Control and Management Challenges Fungal infections are hard to control because: They reach deep inside the plant tissues. Chemical fungicides/insecticides often don’t reach these internal areas. Infections block the xylem vessels, hampering nutrient transport. Treatments used include: Use of antifungals. Removal and destruction of infected parts. Trapping beetles as a preventive measure. Wider Impact and Host Range E. parallelus is an invasive species, capable of infecting over 80 species of broadleaf trees. This includes economically important crops like cashew, teak, coconut, coffee, and mango. The fungi can evolve to infect more species, broadening their impact.
Health and Ecosystem Risks Fusarium fungi are opportunistic pathogens affecting not just plants, but also humans, frogs, spiders, etc. They can be dangerous for plantation workers with weak immunity. National Economic Concern India ranks 6th globally in rubber production; Kerala accounts for 90% of it. Damage to rubber plantations threatens livelihoods and export potential. Current phytosanitary strategies (used for conifers) may not be effective for broadleaf trees like rubber.
Where is the Centre of the Universe?
No Defined Centre: The universe does not have a centre, top, bottom, or middle. Every point in the universe appears to be moving away from every other point. Expanding Universe: The universe is expanding uniformly in all directions. Galaxies that are millions of light years away are all moving away from Earth, and Earth is also moving away from other points in space. Big Bang Misconception: People often wrongly assume the Big Bang happened at a central point. In reality, space itself began expanding everywhere at once not from a single location in pre-existing space.
