Naturalization of host-dependent microbes after introduction into terrestrial ecosystems [Chapter 5]

Abstract

Introduction of plant pathogens, insects, parasites, and predators into terrestrial and marine ecosystems is second only to habitat loss among major threats to biodiversity (Torchin et. al. 2002), and the frequency of introductions continues to increase (Flather et al. 1998, Torchin et al. 2002, Wilcove et al. 1998). Despite their detrimental impacts, introductions can also be seen as massive experiments having a defined time of onset, and the possibility to define and monitor changes in genetic structure of both host and parasite across environments over time. As such, introductions of parasites and pathogens are a potentially rich source of fundamental knowledge about host-parasite interactions. These introductions initiate a nexus of interactions at the interface of ecology, genetics, and evolution.

Citation

McDonald, Geral I.; Zambino, Paul J.; Klopfenstein, Ned B. 2005. Naturalization of host-dependent microbes after introduction into terrestrial ecosystems [Chapter 5]. In: Lundquist, J. E.; Hamelin, R. C., eds. Forest Pathology - From Molecules to Landscapes. St. Paul, MN: American Phytopathological Society Press. p. 41-57.