Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ross Joseph, Nemat O. Keyhani
Summary: Ambrosia beetles and their microbial communities, housed in specialized structures termed mycangia, represent a unique system of mutualism and parasitism. The nature of these interactions, including potential virulence towards trees, remains largely understudied and the beetle-fungal symbiont system is emerging as a model to study mechanisms underlying symbiotic relationships.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zi-Ru Jiang, Hayato Masuya, Hisashi Kajimura
Summary: This study isolated and identified fungal species associated with Ambrosia beetles in Japan by simulating their behavior under artificial conditions. The results showed that temperature affects fungal growth and revealed the possibility of symbiont switching in different nesting places.
Article
Microbiology
Maximilian Lehenberger, Markus Benkert, Peter H. W. Biedermann
Summary: Bark beetles (sensu lato) and ambrosia beetles depend on fungal mutualists for colonization and reproduction, with the latter requiring mutualistic fungi for nutrition. Recent studies show that fungal mutualists of ambrosia beetles play a defensive role by producing, detoxifying, and metabolizing ethanol, benefiting their hosts in stressed trees.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Teresa Szklarzewicz, Katarzyna Michalik, Beata Grzywacz, Malgorzata Kalandyk-Kolodziejczyk, Anna Michalik
Summary: This study found that Ophiocordyceps fungi may be obligate symbionts of certain sap-sucking hemipterans, confirmed through histological, ultrastructural, and molecular analyses. The essential role of these fungal symbionts in the biology of soft scale insects was highlighted, with evidence of transmission between generations through transovarial transmission observed.
Article
Microbiology
Itzel A. Solis-Garcia, Oscar Ceballos-Luna, Elvis Marian Cortazar-Murillo, Damaris Desgarennes, Edith Garay-Serrano, Violeta Patino-Conde, Edgar Guevara-Avendano, Alfonso Mendez-Bravo, Frederique Reverchon
Summary: Root rot did not significantly impact microbial diversity and community structure, but resulted in changes in the relative abundance of certain microbial taxa. Potential fungal pathogens associated with the disease were identified in the roots, and the predicted functions of rhizobacteria were also potentially modified by root rot.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Anuruddha Karunarathna, Saowaluck Tibpromma, Ruvishika S. Jayawardena, Chandrika Nanayakkara, Suhail Asad, Jianchu Xu, Kevin D. Hyde, Samantha C. Karunarathna, Steven L. Stephenson, Saisamorn Lumyong, Jaturong Kumla
Summary: Grasslands are major primary producers and important components in watersheds. Various factors, such as fungal interactions, herbivores, and plant-fungal pathogenic interactions, play vital roles in maintaining biodiversity and biomass in grasslands. Decreased species diversity in grasslands can lead to increased severity and transmission rates of fungal diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing ecological complexities in these ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Carlos A. Aguilar-Trigueros, Franz-Sebastian Krah, William K. Cornwell, Amy E. Zanne, Nerea Abrego, Ian C. Anderson, Carrie J. Andrew, Petr Baldrian, Claus Baessler, Andrew Bissett, V. Bala Chaudhary, Baodong Chen, Yongliang Chen, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Coline Deveautour, Eleonora Egidi, Habacuc Flores-Moreno, Jacob Golan, Jacob Heilmann-Clausen, Stefan Hempel, Yajun Hu, Havard Kauserud, Stephanie N. Kivlin, Petr Kohout, Daniel R. Lammel, Fernando T. Maestre, Anne Pringle, Jenna Purhonen, Brajesh K. Singh, Stavros D. Veresoglou, Tomas Vetrovsky, Haiyang Zhang, Matthias C. Rillig, Jeff R. Powell
Summary: Despite the ubiquity of host-fungal symbiotic interactions, the effects of symbiosis on the ecology and evolution of fungal spores involved in dispersal and colonization have been neglected. Through a spore morphology database, we found that symbiotic status correlated with changes in spore size, but this effect varied among different fungal phyla. Symbiosis explained more variation in spore size distribution than climatic variables, and spores of plant-associated fungi have more restricted dispersal potential compared to free-living fungi. Our study advances life-history theory by highlighting the role of symbiosis in shaping reproductive and dispersal strategies among living organisms.
Review
Plant Sciences
Stuart D. Card, Daniel A. Bastias, John R. Caradus
Summary: Epichloe is a genus of filamentous fungal endophytes that co-evolved with cool-season grasses, providing additional traits to host plants such as pest deterrence and drought tolerance. Some strains have been developed into biocontrol products and are widely utilized in the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand.
Review
Ecology
Seema Sangwan, Radha Prasanna
Summary: The symbiotic relationship between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is now known to be influenced by mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB), which play a crucial role in promoting the development and functioning of AMF by influencing spore germination, mycelial growth, root colonization, metabolic diversity, and biocontrol of soil borne diseases; MHB also enhance the efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis by triggering plant growth factors, leading to better nutrient uptake by plants.
Article
Ecology
Romy Moukarzel, Hayley J. Ridgway, Lauren Waller, Alexis Guerin-Laguette, Natalia Cripps-Guazzone, E. Eirian Jones
Summary: This study manipulated AMF communities in grapevine rootstock and found that specific AMF communities had differential effects on grapevine rootstock growth and nutrient uptake. The presence of its own AMF community generally improved the performance of a rootstock. AMF spore diversity and the relative abundance of certain species played important roles in competition and growth outcomes.
Article
Microbiology
Alyssa A. A. Carrell, Brittany B. B. Hicks, Emilie Sidelinger, Eric R. R. Johnston, Sara S. S. Jawdy, Miranda M. M. Clark, Dawn M. M. Klingeman, Melissa A. A. Cregger
Summary: Plants and microorganisms have important symbiotic interactions that influence plant growth. This study found that nitrogen addition altered plant growth factors and affected the fungal communities in the soil. These findings emphasize the importance of soil origin and plant species in establishing plant-fungal interactions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ross Joseph, Kamaldeep Bansal, Nemat O. O. Keyhani
Summary: Ambrosia beetles require their fungal symbiotic partner as their food source, and the invasive beetle Xyleborus glabratus has caused the deaths of over 300 million trees by vectoring a plant pathogenic fungus. The study found that the indigenous ambrosia beetle X. affinis can also be colonized by the same fungus, indicating potential host switching behavior.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wang Fei, Ye Liu
Summary: This review summarizes the mechanism of infection and immune response of biotrophic fungi in plants, emphasizing the understanding of their biology and pathogenesis. It is of great importance for overcoming resistance to biotrophic fungi and developing disease-free crops.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Isaura Martin, Laura Galvez, Luis Guasch, Daniel Palmero
Summary: Seeds can carry various microorganisms, especially fungi, which can have negative effects on seed quality and longevity while potentially spreading diseases. Seed storage is an effective method for conserving plant genetic resources, but it can also provide favorable conditions for the survival of seed-associated fungi. Early detection and identification of these fungi are crucial for preserving high-quality seeds and preventing pathogen dissemination.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katherine Beigel, Alix E. Matthews, Katrin Kellner, Christine Pawlik, Matthew Greenwold, Jon N. Seal
Summary: Recent studies on fungus-gardening ants and their symbiotic fungi have revealed varying degrees of fungal sharing among unrelated ant lineages, challenging the previous assumption of strong concordance between ants and their symbiotic fungi within major clades. Genomic analysis suggests that each ant species tends to exhibit fidelity to its own fungal subclade, supporting a pattern of codivergence between the ants and fungi. This implies that symbiont exchange within clades may be less common than previously thought.
Article
Plant Sciences
You Li, Craig Bateman, James Skelton, Bo Wang, Adam Black, Yin-Tse Huang, Allan Gonzalez, Michelle A. Jusino, Zachary J. Nolen, Stanley Freeman, Zvi Mendel, Miroslav Kolarik, Milos Knizek, Ji-Hyun Park, Wisut Sittichaya, Thai-Hong Pham, Shin-Ichiro Ito, Masato Torii, Lei Gao, Andrew J. Johnson, Min Lu, Jianghua Sun, Zhen Zhang, Damian C. Adams, Jiri Hulcr
Summary: The study assessed the potential risk of invasion and impact by evaluating fungi associated with Old World bark and ambrosia beetles. The findings showed that there were no highly virulent pathogens that posed an imminent threat to North American trees. Most of the tested fungi had no significant impact, suggesting that concerns over overseas fungus vectors suspected of heightened potential risk may be eased. This study highlights the importance of preinvasion assessment in supporting practical risk assessment of exotic pathogens.
Article
Entomology
Yanjing Wang, Jinming Lu, Ronghua Sun, Demian F. Gomez, Jiri Hulcr, Yuezhong Li, You Li, Lei Gao
Summary: Accurate species delimitation is crucial for pest management. This study used molecular approaches to explore the genetic diversity of the Euwallacea fornicatus complex, revealing the presence of different species and clades in China. The distribution patterns and genetic diversity of these species contribute to the development of effective control strategies.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
T. Urvois, C. Perrier, A. Roques, L. Saune, C. Courtin, Y. Li, A. J. Johnson, J. Hulcr, M. -A. Auger-Rozenberg, C. Kerdelhue
Summary: The ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus is an invasive species worldwide, favored by its cryptic lifestyle, symbiosis with a fungus, and sib-mating reproduction. Populations invading Africa, Europe, and the American-Pacific region likely originated from different mitochondrial lineages in Southeast Asia, with independent introductions occurring in close sources.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriel A. LeMay, Thomas O'Loughlin, David Wakarchuk, Jiri Hulcr
Summary: This study found that the black turpentine beetle is more attracted to fresh host trees and has a displacement-dependent response to pheromones associated with the southern pine beetle. These findings contribute to the understanding of the chemical ecology of the black turpentine beetle and have implications for the development of a monitoring system.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiri Hulcr, Demian F. Gomez, Andrew J. Johnson
Summary: This article describes various methods for collecting and preserving bark and ambrosia beetles, including collecting tools, recording data, and step-by-step beetle extraction techniques. It also elaborates on trapping techniques, tools, attractants, and beetle preservation. The key rule for manual collecting is to separate the wood or bark from the beetle gently and systematically, instead of trying to pry the insect out. The main rule for trapping is to use attractants and traps that reflect the ecology of the targeted beetle species.
Article
Microbiology
Xiuyu Zhang, You Li, Hongli Si, Guoyan Zhao, Miroslav Kolarik, Jiri Hulcr, Xiaoqian Jiang, Meixue Dai, Runlei Chang
Summary: This study systematically investigated the Geosmithia species in China and identified a total of 12 species, including three previously described species and nine new species. This study made an important contribution to filling in the gaps in our understanding of global Geosmithia species diversity.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Joao P. M. Araujo, You Li, Tuan A. Duong, Matthew E. Smith, Sawyer Adams, Jiri Hulcr
Summary: Symbiotic relationships between beetles and fungi have evolved multiple times, with some of the most diverse and economically important being mutualistic associations where beetles cultivate and feed on fungi. This study proposes four new species of Harringtonia associated with beetles from Belize and Florida, aiming to contribute to a more comprehensive phylogenetic framework for future research on these beetle-fungi relationships and their potential impact on global crops and forests.
Review
Entomology
Rachel K. Osborn, Jessenia Castro, Tuan A. Duong, Jiri Hulcr, You Li, Malena Martinez, Anthony Cognato
Summary: Ambrosia beetles from the tribe Xyleborini play important roles in forest ecosystems but can also cause significant damage. The relationships between ambrosia fungi and their beetle vectors are not well-studied. Comprehensive surveys of ambrosia fungi are difficult due to unresolved taxonomies and sampling difficulties. Worldwide cooperation is needed to better understand these impactful organisms.
ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Forestry
Craig Loehle, Jiri Hulcr, Jason A. Smith, Holly L. Munro, Tom Fox
Summary: Invasive species pose a growing threat to forest ecosystems globally. In North America, previous invasions have already caused the disappearance of the American chestnut, and currently pose a threat to other important species. Invasive species, particularly insects, pathogens, and plants, put forest ecosystem integrity and commercial forestry at risk. Unfortunately, the scientific workforce and research funding to mitigate and prevent these threats have been declining over the past four decades.
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY
(2023)
Review
Entomology
Yiyi Dong, Jie Gao, Jiri Hulcr
Summary: Invasive wood borers pose a threat to global forests and tree-related industries. Reports of damages caused by wood borers on plants planted overseas can help identify potential invaders and speed up risk assessment. However, language barriers, lack of digitization, and limited circulation of literature hinder the availability of this information to the international plant protection community.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Mycology
Miroslav Kolarik, Jiri Hulcr
Summary: Geosmithia species have been overshadowed by more frequently studied beetle associates, Ophiostomatales and Microascales. However, recent research has revealed that Geosmithia species are widely distributed and abundant in subcortical habitats and have varying degrees of symbiosis with their insect vectors. This article reviews the taxonomic history, species diversity, host ranges, and biogeography of Geosmithia and discusses its ecological roles in relation to insect vectors and host trees, phytopathogenicity, and biotechnology potential. An extensive review of primary data shows that bark beetle species predominantly vector either Geosmithia or ophiostomatoid fungi, depending on the tree substrate features. Coevolution between Geosmithia and beetle vectors has led to the formation of ambrosia lineages and reciprocal adaptations in the beetles. Knowledge gaps and suggestions for further research directions are also provided.
MYCOLOGICAL PROGRESS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Zvi Mendel, Stanley Freeman, Jiri Hulcr, Etan Recht, Gal Zagron, Allon Bear, Laor Orshan, Shahar Samra, Omer Golan, Margareta Walczak, Miriam Silberstein, Shai Golani, Nitsan Birnbaum, Daniel Bensimon, Paul Benjamin, Daniel Carrillo, Aviv Eisenband, Dana Ment
Summary: Bark beetles and ambrosia beetles, such as the black twig borer (BTB) Xylosandrus compactus, are significant pests of woodland and ornamental trees. This meeting in Israel focused on the challenges posed by these beetle species, with a particular emphasis on the invasive BTB population. The BTB population has been causing severe damage to major broad-leaved tree species in the Galilee region, and efforts are being made to develop solutions to control its spread.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jean-Claude Gregoire, Herve Jactel, Jiri Hulcr, Andrea Battisti, Daegan Inward, Francoise Petter, Fabienne Grousset
Summary: Many scolytine beetle species have expanded their territories through wood and plant transportation, leading to significant impacts on plant health. This study quantifies the mobility of these species and identifies the biological factors that drive their mobility and impact. The results suggest that mobility is influenced by host taxa and responsiveness to long-range primary attractants.
Article
Microbiology
Andre Rodrigues, Andrew J. Johnson, Ross A. Joseph, You Li, Nemat O. Keyhani, Edward L. Stanley, Benjamin Weiss, Martin Kaltenpoth, Matthew E. Smith, Jiri Hulcr
Summary: Platypodinae ambrosia beetles rely on mutualistic fungi for food and cooperate in colonizing dead trees. The study discovered that Euplatypus parallelus may lack mycangia, unlike other Platypodinae species. However, both Euplatypus species contain yeast related to the fungi.
Correction
Entomology
Rachel K. Osborn, Jessenia Castro, Tuan A. Duong, Jiri Hulcr, You Li, Malena Martinez, Anthony Cognato
ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
(2023)
