First report of the pinhole borer (Euplatypus sp.) to cause stem bleeding of rubber trees in the Philippines.

The insect pinhole borer, Euplatypus sp., infests rubber tree trunks and induce bleeding symptom which is different to that caused by the fungal pathogen Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat. Griff. & Maubl.). Pinholes are very prominent as the insect bore the trunk and exudates of latex are very noticeable in the infested trunk portion. The borer would extend its damage until the sapwood of the tree, leaving a powder-like sawdust in the ground. The death of the pinhole borer-infested trees is very likely to happen if remedial insecticide application cannot be instituted immediately. In addition, the fungus L. theobromae and an unknown bacterium were found associated with the pinhole borer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]