Interactions between Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Dendroctonus frontalis
Studies were carried out in Louisiana (US) to investigate the influences of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) infection on the defense response of Pinus taeda and subsequent colonization of the weakened trees by Dendroctonus frontalis (EPPO A1 quarantine pest). It was found that the oleoresin flow in the pine-wood nematode-inoculated trees was, with seasonal fluctuations, significantly reduced. The authors assumed that the reduction of the oleoresin flow might result in an increased capability of D. frontalis to overcome the preformed defenses of loblolly pine and that the D. frontalis brood production may be enhanced in trees infected with B. xylophilus. The authors stated furthermore that more experiments are necessary to substantiate these assumptions.
Sources
Linit, M.J.; Kinn, D.N. (1993) Influence of pinewood nematode (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) infection on the preformed defense response of loblolly pine.
Environmental Entomology 22, 1285-1293.