Insects and nematodes are the most diverse and abundant groups of multicellular animals feeding on plants on either side of the soil–air interface. Several herbivore-induced responses are systemic, and hence can influence the preference and performance of organisms in other plant organs. Recent studies show that plants mediate interactions between belowground plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) and aboveground herbivorous insects. Based on the knowledge of plant responses to pathogens, we review the emerging insights on plant systemic responses against root-feeding nematodes and shoot-feeding insects. We discuss the potential mechanisms of plant-mediated indirect interactions between both groups of organisms and point to gaps in our knowledge. Root-feeding nematodes can positively or negatively affect shoot herbivorous insects, and vice versa. The outcomes of the interactions between these spatially separated herbivore communities appear to be influenced by the feeding strategy of the nematodes and the insects, as well as by host plant susceptibility to both herbivores. The potential mechanisms for these interactions include systemic induced plant defense, interference with the translocation and dynamics of locally induced secondary metabolites, and reallocation of plant nutritional reserves. During evolution, PPNs as well as herbivorous insects have acquired effectors that modify plant defense responses and resource allocation patterns to their advantage. However, it is also known that plants under herbivore attack change the allocation of their resources, e.g., for compensatory growth responses, which may affect the performance of other organisms feeding on the plant. Studying the chemical and molecular basis of these interactions will reveal the molecular mechanisms that are involved. Moreover, it will lead to a better understanding of the ecological relevance of aboveground–belowground interactions, as well as support the development of sustainable pest management technologies.

Belowground feeding herbivores can affect their aboveground counterparts via systemic induced responses. Hormonal signaling pathways, such as the jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) pathways, play a pivotal role in shaping such aboveground-belowground herbivore interactions. In this study, we analyzed the effects of two root-feeding nematode species, the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii, and the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla, on the preference and performance of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae. The two sedentary nematodes differ in their feeding strategies and in which plant responses they trigger. We tested the hypothesis that differences in aphid preference and performance are governed by differences in systemic defense signaling triggered by the nematodes. When allowed to choose, aphids showed a lower preference for black mustard (Brassica nigra) plants infested with H. schachtii compared to uninfested plants. On these plants their population increase was reduced as well. Gene expression analyses revealed that aphid infestation on H. schachtii-infested plants strongly induced PR1, a marker gene for the SA-pathway. The expression of the JA marker genes VSP2 and MYC2 was repressed. On the other hand, M. hapla infestation increased aphid preference and population growth compared to those on control plants. Aphid feeding upregulated the expression of VSP2 and MYC2, whereas PR1 expression was not induced. Interestingly, aphid infestation on plants without nematodes did not activate any of the signaling pathways. This suggests that H. schachtii infestation systemically enhanced aphid induced-resistance via the SA pathway. In contrast, M. hapla infestation enhanced JA-pathway regulated responses. This may reduce SA-induced resistance to aphid infestation via negative JA-SA cross-talk. Based on our results, we conclude that the differences in the interactions of aphids with cyst and root-knot nematodes emerge from differences in the plant responses triggered by both nematodes. Our results show that aboveground herbivore performance on plants infested with different nematode species may be strongly associated with nematode feeding strategies.

Department, Uruguay) are acknowledged for providing dead insect specimens. We also thank the two anonymous reviewers for their constructive suggestions and comments. AbstractDuring the first half of the twentieth century, two accidental cases of introduction of Pissodes weevils were recorded from the southern hemisphere. The weevils in South Africa were identified as the deodar weevil (Pissodes nemorensis) and those in South America as the small banded pine weevil (Pissodes castaneus). Wide distribution of the two species in their invasive range, general difficulty in identifying some Pissodes spp., and the varying feeding and breeding behaviours of the species in South Africa has necessitated better evidence of 1 species identity and genetic diversity of both species and population structure of the species in South Africa.Barcoding and the Jerry-to-Pat region of the COI gene were investigated. Morphometric data of the South African species was analysed. Our results confirmed the introduction of only one Pissodes species of North American origin to South Africa. However, this species is not P. nemorensis, but an unrecognized species of the P. strobi complex or a hybrid between P. strobi and P. nemorensis. Only P. castaneus, of European origin, was identified from South America. We identified ten mitochondrial DNA haplotypes from South Africa with evidence of moderate genetic structure among geographic populations. Terminal leader and bole-feeding weevils did not differ at the COI locus. A single haplotype was identified from populations of P. castaneus in South America. Results of the present study will have implications on quarantine, research and management of these insect species.

Food self-sufficiency is Ethiopia’s national priority goal. Given that pest management seriously impacts agriculture, research on crop diseases is of paramount significance to the national goal. Here we provide a comprehensive account of research on plant-parasitic and entomopathogenic nematodes in Ethiopia. We show that the limited information available indicates that plant-parasitic nematodes impact crop production. There exists a serious gap in knowledge with regard to the effects of plant-parasitic nematodes on almost all major crops. This gap includes surveys with appropriate levels of identification, distribution, and yield loss and damage threshold studies on target crops. The current state of knowledge hinders the nation’s ability to design and implement appropriate control strategies for plant-parasitic nematodes. We propose a strategic assessment of plant-parasitic nematodes of all major crops, the need for systematic manpower training and continued search for entomopathogenic nematodes in the major agro-ecological zones of the nation and further research on those entomopathogenic nematodes already identified.

Biodiversity and economic losses resulting from invasive plant pests and pathogens are increasing globally. For these impacts and threats to be managed effectively, appropriate methods of surveillance, detection and identification are required. Botanical gardens provide a unique opportunity for biosecurity as they accommodate diverse collections of exotic and native plant species. These gardens are also often located close to high-risk sites of accidental invasions such as ports and urban areas. This, coupled with routine activities such as the movement of plants and plant material, and visits by millions of people each year, place botanical gardens at risk to the arrival and establishment of pests and pathogens. Consequently, botanical gardens can pose substantial biosecurity risks to the environment, by acting as bridgeheads for pest and pathogen invasions. Here we review the role of botanical gardens in biosecurity on a global scale. The role of botanical gardens has changed over time. Initially, they were established as physic gardens (gardens with medicinal plants), and their links with academic institutions led to their crucial role in the accumulation and dissemination of botanical knowledge. During the second half of the 20th century, botanical gardens developed a strong focus on plant conservation, and in recent years there has been a growing acknowledgement of their value in biosecurity research as sentinel sites to identify pest and pathogen risks (novel pest-host associations); for early detection and eradication of pests and pathogens; and for host range studies. We identify eight specific biosecurity hazards associated with botanical gardens and note potential management interventions and the opportunities these provide for improving biosecurity. We highlight the value of botanical gardens for biosecurity and plant health research in general, and the need for strategic thinking, resources, and capacity development to make them models for best practices in plant health.

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1 The woodwasp Sirex noctilio Fabricius, native to Eurasia and North Africa, regularly co-occurs with a North American origin Pissodes sp. on Pinus trees in South Africa. The nature of this co-occurrence and potential impacts on either of the species is unknown. 2 Using structured sampling, we investigated the pattern and degree of co-occurrence of S. noctilio and Pissodes sp. in six sites in P. patula plantations in South Africa aiming to better understand the potential for interactions and population-level feedbacks. We compared density, adult body size and within-tree distribution of both insect species in trees where they co-occurred or occurred singly. 3 Sirex noctilio and Pissodes sp. co-occurred on 68.0 ± 3.8% of infested trees (range 55-80%). Both insect species were more abundant in trees where they occurred alone relative to co-inhabited trees. 4 The within-tree distribution of S. noctilio did not differ in the presence of Pissodes sp.;however, in the presence of S. noctilio, Pissodes sp. were more frequent in the bottom than the middle tree section where S. noctilio was at higher density and this could be an indication of resource partitioning. Body size of S. noctilio and Pissodes sp. was not influenced by co-occurrence. 5 The results obtained in the present study suggest a broad overlap for both insects in preference for stressed trees in similar states of decline, as well as moderate antagonism between the species leading to lower emergence of both species in shared trees. The influence of S. noctilio on Pissodes sp. population densities may still be a net positive at a landscape scale because Pissodes sp. prefers declining or recently dead trees that are readily created by S. noctilio via attacks on healthy trees.