Host genetic identity determines parasite community structure across time and space in oyster restoration.

ABSTRACT: Intraspecific variation in host susceptibility to individual parasite species is common, yet how these effects scale to mediate the structure of diverse parasite communities in nature is less well understood. To address this knowledge gap, we tested how host genetic identity affects parasite communities on restored reefs seeded with juvenile oysters from different sources-a regional commercial hatchery or one of two wild progenitor lines. We assessed prevalence and intensity of three micro- and two macroparasite species for 4 years following restoration. Despite the spatial proximity of restored reefs, oyster source identity strongly predicted parasite community prevalence across all years, with sources varying in their relative susceptibility to different parasites. Oyster seed source als

SUBMITTER: Hanley TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10050946 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature