Why do entomologists and plant pathologists approach trophic relationships so differently? Identifying biological distinctions to foster synthesis

Abstract

ViewpointsWhy do entomologists and plant pathologists approach trophic relationships so differently? Identifying biological distinctions to foster synthesis Summary Plant interactions with herbivores and pathogens are among the most widespread ecological relationships, and show many congruent properties. Despite these similarities, general models describing how plant defenses function in ecosystems, and the prioritization of responses to emerging challenges such as climate change, invasive species and habitat alteration, often differ markedly between entomologists and plant pathologists. We posit that some fundamental distinctions between how insects and pathogens interact with plants underlie these differences. We propose a conceptual framework to help incorporate these distinctions into robust models and research priorities. The most salient distinctions include features of host-searching behavior, evasion of plant defenses, plant tolerance to utilization, and sources of insect and microbial population regulation. Collectively, these features lead to relatively more diffuse and environmentally mediated plant-insect interactions, and more intimate and genetically driven plant-pathogen interactions. Specific features of insect vs pathogen life histories can also yield different patterns of spatiotemporal dynamics. These differences can become increasingly pronounced when scaling from controlled laboratory to open ecological systems. Integrating these differences alongside similarities can foster improved models and research approaches to plant defense, trophic interactions, coevolutionary dynamics, food security and resource management, and provide guidance as traditional departments increase collaborations, or merge into larger units.

Variation in Methyl Jasmonate-Induced Defense Among Norway Spruce Clones and Trade-Offs in Resistance Against a Fungal and an Insect Pest

“…Resistant individuals are those that can stop or deter attackers, and thus effectively reduce their damage or infection levels relative to susceptible individuals. In particular, little is known about the relationship between resistance to insects and fungal pathogens that are not mutually associated (i.e., those that do not co-occur and depend on each other for host colonization), and if the relative importance of defense components varies or shifts with respect to each pest species ( Eyles et al, 2010 ; Raffa et al, 2020 ). Given that effective resistance against fungal and insect pests may or may not involve different defense pathways (e.g., jasmonic acid or salicylic acid signaling pathways), the consequences of responses induced by these pests can be antagonistic or complementary to each other ( Rostás et al, 2003 ; Beckers and Spoel, 2006 ; Eyles et al, 2007 ).…”

Interactions between mammalian grazers and plant pathogens: an elephant in the room?

“…However, we do not know how different herbivores vary in the magnitude of their impact on fungal pathogens. Immobile microbial pathogens are likely to be more susceptible to physical removal by grazers than mobile primary consumers such as insect herbivores that can escape before being eaten (Raffa et al ., 2020).…”

Pathologists and entomologists must join forces against forest pest and pathogen invasions

“…There is clearly an urgent need to develop a common framework to understand insect and pathogen invasions and to develop methods for forest protection that are effective against both tree pests and pathogens. However, forest entomologists and forest pathologists have traditionally followed different conceptual and methodological approaches to understand the epidemiology of pests and pathogens (Wingfield et al 2017) and they have developed different management approaches for their subjects of study (Raffa et al 2020). Consequently, the number of scientific papers simultaneously addressing insect pests and fungal pathogens is low.…”