Bark Beetles and Symbiotic Fungi: Difference between revisions
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Fungi are the major microorganisms that are involved with this symbiotic interaction. | Fungi are the major microorganisms that are involved with this symbiotic interaction. | ||
===Ophiostomatales | ===Ophiostomatales Fungi=== | ||
====Ophiostoma novo-ulmi ==== | ====Ophiostoma novo-ulmi ==== | ||
====Ophiostoma himal-ulmi==== | ====Ophiostoma himal-ulmi==== | ||
====Ophiostoma ulmi==== | ====Ophiostoma ulmi==== | ||
===Grosmannia=== | ===Grosmannia Fungi=== | ||
==== | ====Grosmannia clavigera==== | ||
===Ambrosia Fungi=== | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
Revision as of 03:47, 6 April 2012
Introduction
A commensalistic relationship is held between bark beetles and symbiotic fungi. This interaction has been known to be devastating to forest stands all over the world. Fungi in this interaction lead to the devastating effects in certain arboreal species. There have been many important studies and research performed in order to understand and perhaps to prevent or contain the spread of certain diseases to valued tree stands.
Biological interaction
Commensalism
Commensalism is an ecological term in which a specific interaction between two organisms allows one organism to benefit while the other organism remains unaffected #1 SOURCE. This interaction between bark beetles and symbiotic fungi is a specific interaction where the bark beetles are unaffected when they carry and spread the fungi through the host tree.
Microbial populations
The interaction between bark beetles and symbiotic fungi not only affect the host plant they are occupying but also microbial populations. When the bark beetles burrow and reside in the host tree they are increasing surface area where other microbes, pathogens, and insects can have a deleterious effect. The interaction between bark beetles and symbiotic fungi is a positive influence. Furthermore, allowing other organisms access to the inside of the tree is a positive influence.
Ecological effects
This interaction between the bark beetles and the symbiotic fungi eventually leads to the death of the tree, then the beetles and fungi move on to their next host. There are ecological consequences to an unregulated population of bark beetles and their symbiotic fungi. Ecologically the continued destruction of types of species of trees can affect the surrounding habitats in that there is less water uptake by a diseased tree, when a tree perishes then it provides an available food source for bacteria and fungi in the environment. This cycle aids in the development of younger trees that are then allowed to grow and take the place of the affected trees.
Niche
Bark beetles have been creating mazes in trees for a long while. These bark beetles live in the dead phloem tissues of trees. Most bark beetles live in dead or decaying trees, however some are known to actively penetrate healthy trees, such as the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae). Female bark beetles burrow into mature trees, signal males, mate, and then deposit their eggs deep within the tree’s tissue. When bark beetles attack trees that are healthy, these trees may produce resin or latex as a defense.
Elm Trees
In Elm trees, bark beetles spread the fungi through sexual contact. With this, the fungus spreads and due to a tylotic response in the xylem, the tree prevents the fungus from spreading. This response, however, also blocks water from moving up and photosynthates from moving down the trunk of the tree. This Dutch Elm Disease has been spreading across North America killing unresistant elm species.
Pine Trees
In pine trees, bark beetles infest by laying eggs under the bark. Once present in the tree, these beetles inoculate the tree with a blue stain fungus. This specific fungus is injected into the sapwood. This action prevents the tree from controlling or exterminating the beetle larvae with sap. The introduction of this particular fungus blocks water and nutrient transportation within the xylem and phloem of the tree.
Microbial processes
Ambrosia beetles actually feed on fungi and are able to overcome the chemical defenses of certain species of trees allowing them to colonize and inoculate these trees. What microbial processes are important for this microbial interaction? Does this microbial interaction have some ecosystem-level effects? Does this interaction affect the environment in any way? Describe critical microbial processes or activities that are important in this interaction, adding sections/subsections as needed. Look at other topics in MicrobeWiki. Are some of these processes already described? Create links where relevant.
Subsection 1
Subsection 1a
Subsection 1b
Subsection 2
Key Microorganisms
Fungi are the major microorganisms that are involved with this symbiotic interaction.
Ophiostomatales Fungi
Ophiostoma novo-ulmi
Ophiostoma himal-ulmi
Ophiostoma ulmi
Grosmannia Fungi
Grosmannia clavigera
Ambrosia Fungi
Current Research
Enter summaries of recent research here--at least three required
References
Edited by Kord Nolte, a student of Angela Kent at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.