Nov 20, 2020

Public workspaceArtificial Pith Gallery (APG) construction

DOI
dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.bnugmetw
  • James Skelton1,
  • Jiri Hulcr1
  • 1University of Florida
  • Protocols Bark Beetle Mycobiome
Bark Beetle Mycobiome Research Coordination Network Bark
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DOI: dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.bnugmetw
Document Citation: James Skelton, Jiri Hulcr 2020. Artificial Pith Gallery (APG) construction. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.bnugmetw
License: This is an open access document distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License,  which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Created: October 23, 2020
Last Modified: November 20, 2020
Document Integer ID: 43624
Abstract
This protocol describes how to rear ambrosia beetles with the fungus of your choice. Could be used for just rearing beetles, or growing fungi on natural substrate.

This protocol is part of the Bark Beetle Mycobiome (BBM) Research Coordination Network. For more information on the BBM international network: Hulcr J, Barnes I, De Beer ZW, Duong TA, Gazis R, Johnson AJ, Jusino MA, Kasson MT, Li Y, Lynch S, Mayers C, Musvuugwa T, Roets F, Seltmann KC, Six D, Vanderpool D, & Villari C. 2020. Bark beetle mycobiome: collaboratively defined research priorities on a widespread insect-fungus symbiosis. Symbiosis 81: 101–113 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13199-020-00686-9.
Making Artificial Pith Galleries for rearing beetles, or growing fungi on natural substrate.

Supplies:
– Anvil style pruner
– Small cutting board
– Rotary tool and attachments
– Sections of stem inter-nodes (~4-5cm long, ~0.4-0.5cm thick, sweetgum preferred for X. compactus)
– Cable ties
– Binder clips
– Toothpicks

1. Collect fresh stem sections, preferably 4-5cm long and 0.4-0.5cm thick.
2. Use pruners to cut stick open, down the middle lengthwise.


3. Secure each half of the stick, cut side up, onto the bottom edge of the cutting board using binder clips.
4. Use a rotary tool with the rounded grinding attachment (such as Dremel, See photo) to create a gallery 1-1.5cm in length by removing pith. Make sure not to go past the pith of the wood. Do this on both stick halves so that it is a mirror image.


5. Use a toothpick to remove any excess sawdust.
6. Take one stick half and flip over, bark side up now, and switch to a fine-point grinding attachment (see photo) to drill the entrance hole for the beetle. This should be done in the center of the gallery.


7. Remove binder clips and join the two stick halves together, making sure they line up the original way prior to cutting. If done right, each gallery half should come together in the same place to form a full gallery. There shouldn’t be space in the cut between the two halves.
8. Use a cable tie to secure each end of the stick, continuing to hold it together while tightening. Cut excess off with pruner.
9. Freeze until ready to use and then autoclave to sterilize.