Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rashaduz Zaman, Courtney May, Aziz Ullah, Nadir Erbilgin
Summary: This study investigated the impact of three fungal symbionts on the terpene chemistry of pine trees and found that these fungi can alter host defense chemicals, assist beetles in overcoming metabolite toxicity, and potentially provide chemical cues for attracting bark beetles.
Article
Ecology
Yanzhuo Liu, Gean Rodrigues Anastacio, Guncha Ishangulyyeva, Jean C. Rodriguez-Ramos, Nadir Erbilgin
Summary: Recent studies have focused on the interactions between mutualistic bark beetles and ophiostomatoid fungi, showing how volatile organic compounds emitted by mutualist fungi can influence bark beetle behaviors. This study investigated the effects of a beetle pheromone, host tree volatiles, and their combination on the growth and biomass of two mutualistic fungi. The results suggest that both Grosmannia clavigera and Ophiostoma montium can utilize bark beetle pheromones and host tree volatiles as nutrient sources, supporting further research on the role of volatile organic compounds in mediating mutualistic bark beetle-fungi interactions.
Article
Ecology
Vanessa Agbulu, Rashaduz Zaman, Guncha Ishangulyyeva, James F. Cahill, N. Erbilgin
Summary: This study showed that host defense metabolites impact the suitability of hosts to bark beetles by influencing their fungal symbionts, and different species of fungal symbionts respond differently to host monoterpene blends.
Article
Biology
Gary J. Blomquist, Claus Tittiger, Marina MacLean, Christopher Keeling
Summary: Bark beetles in the Dendroctonus and Ips genera are the most destructive forest pests in the Northern hemisphere, utilizing cytochromes P450 to detoxify tree-produced terpenes and produce pheromones. Different species within these genera use specific chemicals, such as trans-verbenol and ipsdienol, as aggregation pheromones.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Aziz Ullah, Jennifer G. Klutsch, Nadir Erbilgin
Summary: Intraspecific variation in conifers has been studied in terms of defense against herbivores and pathogens, showing the influence of different compounds on insects and microbes. Research on biologically relevant defense compounds among tree populations is necessary. Variation in lodgepole pine monoterpenes was characterized in a progeny trial, revealing different effects on the mountain pine beetle and its fungal symbiont. The study highlights a co-evolutionary arms-race resulting in complementary defense metabolites among pine populations to enhance tree survival.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandra Howell, Mario Bretfeld, Erica Belmont
Summary: This study compared and analyzed the combustion of healthy trees and trees killed by bark beetles in a forest fire in southeast Wyoming, USA, to explore the impact of beetle-induced mortality on carbon. Results showed that PyC production and energy output in beetle-killed boles were significantly higher than in healthy boles.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Zach M. Smith, Kevin D. Chase, Etsuro Takagi, Aubree M. Kees, Brian H. Aukema
Summary: The study found that using ipsenol, an aggregation pheromone of Ips grandicollis, on jack pine logs can attract more Ips grandicollis compared to logs baited with pheromones of mountain pine beetle and host volatiles. The presence of lures for mountain pine beetle inhibits colonization by Ips grandicollis, while longhorn borers are more attracted to logs baited with ipsenol. These results suggest that common bark and woodboring species like Ips grandicollis and longhorn borers may not compete with mountain pine beetles at tree-colonizing stages, posing little resistance to invasion if mountain pine beetle were to invade the Great Lakes Region.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Sneha Vissa, David N. Soderberg, Richard W. Hofstetter
Summary: Climate warming has significant effects on forest insect populations, particularly bark beetles, influencing the abundance of symbiotic mite communities associated with them. Mite populations show adaptation to local climates, impacting beetle reproduction and health. Understanding these patterns can provide insights into how climate change will affect beetle-mite associations in forest ecosystems.
Article
Forestry
Marcella A. Windmuller-Campione, Justin DeRose, James N. Long
Summary: Bark beetle outbreaks in western North America cause significant tree mortality, with factors such as temperature and forest community structure playing important roles. Research shows that the majority of forests in the Interior West and Colorado have moderate to high susceptibility to bark beetles.
Article
Entomology
Somia Afzal, Helen F. Nahrung, Simon A. Lawson, Richard Andrew Hayes
Summary: This study conducted a global meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of semiochemical treatments in managing bark beetle populations. The results showed that push-pull strategies using attractive and deterrent semiochemicals can significantly reduce Dendroctonus and Ips populations, providing a potential tool for forest managers to control these pests.
Article
Forestry
Paul J. Chisholm, Camille S. Stevens-Rumann, Thomas Seth Davis
Summary: In temperate coniferous forests, the probability of tree mortality during bark beetle outbreaks is influenced by factors such as tree diameter, stand density, and elevation. The study found that mortality rates were lower in trees with higher live crown ratios, and rose with increasing tree diameter, stand basal area, and elevation. The association between elevation and mortality risk was buffered by precipitation, with dry high-elevation stands experiencing more mortality than moist high-elevation stands. Tree diameter, crown ratio, and stand density affected tree mortality independent of precipitation.
Article
Forestry
Bethany R. Kyre, Lynne K. Rieske
Summary: With losses associated with forest pest outbreaks increasing alarmingly, future forest pest management strategies demand augmentation with next-generation approaches. RNA interference is increasingly recognized as a species-specific pest management approach.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Flor N. Rivera-Orduna, Rosa Maria Pineda-Mendoza, Brenda Vega-Correa, Maria Fernanda Lopez, Claudia Cano-Ramirez, Xiao Xia Zhang, Wen Feng Chen, Gerardo Zuniga
Summary: Species of Rahnella in the gut of Dendroctonus-bark beetles are highly destructive agents of pine forest and are found in North and Central America, and Eurasia. Through a polyphasic approach, it was confirmed that these bacteria belong to Rahnella contaminans, and they exhibit high genetic similarity in their evolutionary lineage. Furthermore, these bacteria display high diversity in different developmental stages of the beetles.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael J. Koontz, Andrew M. Latimer, Leif A. Mortenson, Christopher J. Fettig, Malcolm P. North
Summary: The study analyzed data and found an interaction between host size and climatic water deficit, resulting in higher mortality rates for large trees in dry, warm conditions, but not in cooler or wetter conditions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Matthew A. Mumma, Michael P. Gillingham, Shelley Marshall, Christopher Procter, Alexandre R. Bevington, Matthew Scheideman
Summary: Forestry activities have a significant impact on wildlife, including the moose, with responses varying depending on the vegetation composition and regrowth of cutblocks. Moose tend to prefer cutblocks with intermediate regrowth levels and dominated by specific tree species. Moose responses to cutblocks differ seasonally, with a tendency to avoid new cutblocks and select for regenerating ones. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of considering vegetation composition and regrowth in forestry planning to maintain stable moose populations.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Simon P. W. Zappia, Alex M. Chubaty, Bernard D. Roitberg
Article
Entomology
Zaid Jumean, Brian O. Ma, Alex M. Chubaty, Christopher W. Ellenor, Bernard D. Roitberg, Gerhard Gries
JOURNAL OF INSECT BEHAVIOR
(2011)
Article
Ecology
Heather L. Major, Alex M. Chubaty
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2012)
Article
Ecology
Alex M. Chubaty, Brian O. Ma, Robert W. Stein, David R. Gillespie, Lee M. Henry, Conan Phelan, Eirikur Palsson, Franz W. Simon, Bernard D. Roitberg
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2014)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sarah Bauduin, Eliot J. B. McIntire, Alex M. Chubaty
Article
Ecology
Alex M. Chubaty, Paul Galpern, Sam C. Doctolero
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Eliot J. B. McIntire, Alex M. Chubaty, Steven G. Cumming, Dave Andison, Ceres Barros, Celine Boisvenue, Samuel Hache, Yong Luo, Tatiane Micheletti, Frances E. C. Stewart
Summary: Making predictions from ecological models and comparing them to data provides a coherent approach to evaluate model quality and influence management decisions. We present an updated foundation for Predictive Ecology based on seven principles and outline the benefits of working with these principles.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Celine Boisvenue, Gregory Paradis, Ian M. S. Eddy, Eliot J. B. McIntire, Alex M. Chubaty
Summary: This article discusses the relationship between greenhouse gas reduction and forest management, and proposes a simulation system for estimating forest carbon sequestration capacity and the impact of management on sequestration. The results of the study indicate a bias in current carbon levels, suggesting a need for improved estimation methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Ceres Barros, Yong Luo, Alex M. Chubaty, Ian M. S. Eddy, Tatiane Micheletti, Celine Boisvenue, David W. Andison, Steven G. Cumming, Eliot J. B. McIntire
Summary: Modelling is widely used in ecology to effectively manage ecosystems and meet conservation goals. As the urgency to forecast ecosystem responses to global change grows, the number and complexity of ecological models also increase, demanding validation and cross-model comparisons. We propose a practical solution based on the PERFICT principles, using a modular and integrated framework to provide reusable, interoperable and transparent predictive ecological models.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Alex M. Chubaty, Melanie Hart, Bernard D. Roitberg
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY RESEARCH
(2014)
Article
Ecology
Florian Lecorvaisier, Dominique Pontier, Benoit Soubeyrand, David Fouchet
Summary: Research has found that the use of vaccines that do not entirely block pathogen transmission may lead to the evolution of more virulent strains. High vaccine coverage favors the emergence and prevalence of avirulent strains, and competition between strains is crucial for the eradication of toxigenic strains when these vaccines are used.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Monica E. Barros, Ana Arriagada, Hugo Arancibia, Sergio Neira
Summary: The stock biomass of carrot prawn in the south-central area of Chile has decreased in the past 12 years, mainly due to fishing mortality. Predation mortality has been less studied and quantified, so it is important to estimate and compare predation and fishing mortality to understand their effects on fishing stocks. A food web model was built to analyze the biomass changes and evaluate the relative contribution of different mortality factors. The results showed that predation mortality was the main component of total mortality for carrot prawns and yellow prawns.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shubham Krishna, Victoria Peterson, Luisa Listmann, Jana Hinners
Summary: This study incorporated viral dynamics into an ecosystem model to investigate the effects of viruses on ecosystem dynamics under current and future climatic conditions. The results showed that the presence of viruses increased nutrient retention in the upper water column, leading to a reduction in phytoplankton biomass and transfer of biomass to higher trophic levels.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Zahra Dehghan Manshadi, Parastoo Parivar, Ahad Sotoudeh, Ali Morovati Sharifabadi
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of strategies such as limiting built-up areas, preserving green spaces, and protecting water resources on the urban carrying capacity in arid and semi-arid regions. Implementing a combination of policies aimed at enhancing urban green spaces and regulating water demand is found to be the most effective in terms of health and urban carrying capacity.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shay S. Keretz, Daelyn A. Woolnough, Todd J. Morris, Edward F. Roseman, David T. Zanatta
Summary: This study surveyed native freshwater mussels in the St. Clair-Detroit River system and found 14 live unionids representing 9 species. However, the model used to predict their presence in the main channels was not successful. The study also revealed characteristic differences between the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Zhengrong Zhang, Xuemei Li, Xinyu Liu, Kaixin Zhao
Summary: This study examines land use change in the Chinese Tianshan mountainous region using system dynamics and patch-generating land use simulation models. The results show an expansion in forest and construction land, a decline in grassland area, and an increase in cultivated land area from 2005 to 2020. By 2040, unused land, grassland, and water are expected to decrease while other land types increase, with construction land showing the most significant increase. The study provides insights for future ecological and environmental management in the region.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Amira Khelifa, Nadjia El Saadi
Summary: This paper develops an agent-based model to study malaria disease transmission, taking into account the interactions between hosts, vectors, and aquatic habitats, as well as their geographical locations. The simulation results highlight the significant role of aquatic habitats in infection transmission and disease persistence, and demonstrate the effectiveness of eliminating these habitats in limiting disease transmission.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Guillaume Peron
Summary: The theory for movement-based coexistence between species often overlooks small-scale, station-keeping movements. However, at this scale, there are many instances where positive correlations exist between species traits that are expected to be negatively correlated based on current theory. Through simulations, the researcher presents a counter-example to demonstrate that functional tradeoffs are not a necessary condition for movement-based coexistence. This study highlights the significance of species-specific space use patterns under the time allocation tradeoff hypothesis.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Sandra Y. Mendiola, Nicole M. Gerardo, David J. Civitello
Summary: Research on the use of insect microbial symbionts as a means of controlling the spread of insect vectors and the pathogens they carry has made significant progress in the last decade. This study focused on the relative importance of simultaneous effects caused by a symbiont called Caballeronia spp. on the ability of squash bugs to transmit phytopathogenic Serratia marcescens. The researchers found that infection with Caballeronia significantly reduced pathogen titers and cleared S. marcescens in bugs, thus reducing the vectoring potential of these pests. The study also showed that maximizing symbiont prevalence in the vector population is crucial for effectively mitigating plant infections.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shirui Hao, Dongryeol Ryu, Andrew W. Western, Eileen Perry, Heye Bogena, Harrie Jan Hendricks Franssen
Summary: This study investigates the sensitivity of model yield prediction to uncertainties in model parameters and inputs using the Sobol' method. The results show that yield is more sensitive to changes in water availability and nitrogen availability, depending on soil, management, and weather conditions.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Nitika Mundetia, Devesh Sharma, Aditya Sharma
Summary: This study focused on assessing groundwater sustainability using different modeling approaches in a river basin in Rajasthan, India. The results showed a decrease in future groundwater recharge and emphasized the need for better management and conservation practices to achieve sustainable development goals.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Sukdev Biswas, Sk Golam Mortoja, Ritesh Kumar Bera, Sabyasachi Bhattacharya
Summary: Bacteria play a crucial role in regulating the nutrient cycle of ecosystems, and maintaining a thriving bacterial population is essential for the sustainability of these environments. This study introduces the concept of cooperation as a group defense mechanism employed by bacteria and incorporates it into the functional response, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the complex tritrophic food chain dynamics. The results highlight the importance of a balance between strong group defense and moderate cooperation for bacteria sustainability and overall system stability.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
D. Z. M. Le Gouvello, S. Heye, L. R. Harris, J. Temple-Boyer, P. Gaspar, M. G. Hart-Davis, C. Louro, R. Nel
Summary: This study modeled the dispersal pathways and compared potential dispersal corridors of different sea turtle species in the Western Indian Ocean. The results showed that ocean currents play a major role in driving dispersal, with species and years exhibiting differences in dispersal patterns. Active swimming had little influence on dispersal during the first year.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Review
Ecology
Yingying Duan, Haina Rong, Gexiang Zhang, Sergey Gorbachev, Dunwu Qi, Luis Valencia-Cabrera, Mario J. Perez-Jimenez
Summary: Computing models are an effective way to study population dynamics of endangered species like giant pandas. This paper proposes a unified framework and conducts a comprehensive survey of computing models for giant panda ecosystems. Multi-factor computing models are more suitable for studying giant panda ecosystems.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Samantha Lai, Theophilus Zhi En Teo, Arief Rullyanto, Jeffery Low, Karenne Tun, Peter A. Todd, Siti Maryam Yaakub
Summary: Understanding the exchange of genetic material among populations in the marine environment is crucial for conservation efforts. Agent-based models are increasingly used to predict dispersal pathways, including for seagrasses. This study highlights the importance of considering both sexual propagules and asexual vegetative fragments when evaluating seagrass connectivity.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
