Bark Beetles and Symbiotic Fungi: Difference between revisions

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==Key Microorganisms==
==Key Microorganisms==
[[Image:ophiostoma ulma.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Close up of Ophiostoma ulma the pathogen responsible for Dutch Elm Disease.]]
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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.  



Revision as of 02:38, 6 April 2012

This student page has not been curated.

Introduction

Bark Beetle tunnels in wood. These insects burrow into trees and create galleries.


The interaction between Bark Beetles and Symbiotic Fungi is a very interesting one.

In the introduction, give a brief overview of the microbial interaction that is the topic of this page. Introduce the interaction, the organisms involved, the ecological significance of this interaction, and the importance of microorganisms and their processes in this environment (described in more detail below). What processes do they carry out? What functions do they perform? Why are microbes important in this interaction?


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

Pine Trees


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

File:Ophiostoma ulma.jpg
Close up of Ophiostoma ulma the pathogen responsible for Dutch Elm Disease.


Fungi are the major microorganisms that are involved with this symbiotic interaction.

Ophiostomatales fungi

Ophiostoma novo-ulmi

Ophiostoma himal-ulmi

Ophiostoma ulmi


Current Research

Enter summaries of recent research here--at least three required

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Edited by Kord Nolte, a student of Angela Kent at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.