FABI Articles : Novel and co-evolved associations between insects and microorganisms as drivers of forest pestilence
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Novel and co-evolved associations between insects and microorganisms as drivers of forest pestilence
Michael J. Wingfield . Jeff R. Garnas . Ann Hajek .
Brett P. Hurley . Z. Wilhelm de Beer . Stephen J. Taerum
Abstract Some of the most devastating diseases of trees involve
associations between forest insects and microorganisms. Although a small
number of native insect-microorganism symbioses can cause tree
mortality, the majority of associations with tree health implications
involve one or more exotic organisms. Here, we divide damaging symbioses
between forest insects and microorganisms into four categories based on
the native/exotic status of the species involved: (1) insect and
microorganism are native; (2) insect is native, microorganism is exotic;
(3) insect is exotic, microorganism is native; and (4) insect and
microorganism are both exotic. For each category, we describe several
well-researched examples of forest insect symbioses and discuss some of
the consequences of the types of interactions within each category. We
then discuss priorities for research on forest insect symbioses that
could help to further elucidate patterns in the complexity of such
interactions in the context of invasion biology. We argue that a nuanced
understanding of insect-pathogen relationships is lacking, even for the
few well-studied examples. Because novel associations between insects,
microorganisms, and trees are increasing with globalization, such
symbioses and their potential to negatively impact forest ecosystems
demand focused research in the future.
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