Acquisition of fungi from the environment modifies ambrosia beetle mycobiome during invasion.

ABSTRACT: Microbial symbionts can play critical roles when their host attempts to colonize a new habitat. The lack of symbiont adaptation can in fact hinder the invasion process of their host. This scenario could change if the exotic species are able to acquire microorganisms from the invaded environment. Understanding the ecological factors that influence the take-up of new microorganisms is thus essential to clarify the mechanisms behind biological invasions. In this study, we tested whether different forest habitats influence the structure of the fungal communities associated with ambrosia beetles. We collected individuals of the most widespread exotic (Xylosandrus germanus) and native (Xyleborinus saxesenii) ambrosia beetle species in Europe in several old-growth and restored fores

SUBMITTER: Rassati D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6870512 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature