Abstract
Soilborne fungal and oomycete pathogens are the causal agents of several important plant diseases. Infection frequently co-occurs with herbivory by root-feeding insects, facilitating tripartite interactions that modify plant performance and mortality. In an agricultural context, interactions between pathogens, herbivores, and plants can have important consequences for yield protection. However, belowground interactions are inherently difficult to observe and are often overlooked. Here, we review the impact of direct and indirect interactions between root-associated insects, fungi, and oomycetes on the development of plant disease. We explore the relationship between insect feeding injury and pathogen infection, as well as the role of insects as vectors of fungal and oomycete pathogens. Synergistic interactions between insects and phytopathogens may be important in weed suppression, and we highlight several promising candidates for biocontrol. Bridging the gap between entomological and pathological research is a critical step in understanding how interactions between insects and microorganisms modify the community structure of the rhizosphere, and how this impacts plant functioning. Furthermore, the identification of belowground interactions is required to develop effective pest monitoring and management strategies.
Highlights
Phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes cause many highly destructive plant diseases, often with severe economic consequences for producers (Meng et al, 2009)
Root-feeding insects are closely associated with the soilborne microorganisms that colonize their mutual plant host
Tripartite interactions have been identified in several agroecosystems, but it is likely that many more have gone undetected
Summary
Phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes cause many highly destructive plant diseases, often with severe economic consequences for producers (Meng et al, 2009). When microbial infection and insect herbivory occur at the same time, interspecific interactions that alter the individual effects of either organism on plant performance can occur. These interactions may take place directly or indirectly (Figures 1A–C) (Hatcher, 1995). Direct interactions occur when the ability of one organism to access plant resources is altered by another, without any influence from the plant itself (Figure 1B). The purpose of this review is to discuss currently available information regarding direct and indirect interactions between root-feeding insects, fungal and oomycete pathogens, and plants. Interactions involving phytopathogenic microbes will be considered, as the association of root-feeding insects with plant mutualists and symbionts has been reviewed in detail elsewhere (Johnson and Rasmann, 2015)
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