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Abstract
Grosmannia blue-stain fungi and their root-feeding beetle vectors (Hylastes, Hylobius and Pachylobius species) have been associated with areas of loblolly pine mortality in the Piedmont region of Georgia, yet their potential role in host mortality is unestablished. Study objectives were to determine phenology of loblolly pine associated root-feeding beetles in Georgia and assess potential variation of the blue-stain fungal community associated with these beetles. Beetles were live-trapped in two loblolly pine stands with differing management histories from May 2017-October 2018. Across vectors, abundance varied over time and site was found to have significant effect on the number of root-feeding beetles collected. Ophiostomatoid fungal composition was found to vary between vector species in 2017; fungal species were primarily isolated in spring regardless of vector species or site. Results of this study will provide useful insights for future study of these fungal vectors and inform forest health management in the southeastern U.S.