Abstract
Forests are an essential component of the natural environment, as they support biodiversity, sequester carbon, and play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles—in addition to producing organic matter that is necessary for the function of terrestrial organisms. Forests today are subject to threats ranging from natural occurrences, such as lightning-ignited fires, storms, and some forms of pollution, to those caused by human beings, such as land-use conversion (deforestation or intensive agriculture). In recent years, threats from pests and pathogens, particularly non-native species, have intensified in forests. The damage, decline, and mortality caused by insects, fungi, pathogens, and combinations of pests can lead to sizable ecological, economic, and social losses. To combat forest pests and pathogens, biocontrol may be an effective alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This review of forest pests and potential adversaries in the natural world highlights microbial inoculants, as well as research efforts to further develop biological control agents against forest pests and pathogens. Recent studies have shown promising results for the application of microbial inoculants as preventive measures. Other studies suggest that these species have potential as fertilizers.
Highlights
Forests cover about 30% of the world’s land area [1] and provide an array of ecosystem services and goods that are essential to the functioning of the Earth and human society
Sound management practices are essential for maintaining the productive and protective functions of forests. Implementation can protect these precious resources against catastrophic loss that results from wildfires and pollution, as well as the damage, decline, and mortality associated with forest pests and pathogens, especially invasive species
The symbiotic bacteria release volatile and non-volatile exudates that can have a deleterious effect against phytopathogenic fungi, suggesting that entomopathogenic nematodes may be used in the natural regulation of insect and pest fungi populations
Summary
Forests cover about 30% of the world’s land area [1] and provide an array of ecosystem services and goods that are essential to the functioning of the Earth and human society. Sound management practices are essential for maintaining the productive and protective functions of forests Implementation can protect these precious resources against catastrophic loss that results from wildfires and pollution, as well as the damage, decline, and mortality associated with forest pests and pathogens, especially invasive species. Non-native invasive pests pose a particular threat to the world’s forests because they have few or no natural controls in their new location, and a changing climate may exacerbate their spread and establishment [3] Using chemical agents, such as conventional insecticides and fungicides, to control invasive pathogenic species [2,4] has several drawbacks, such as environmental disturbance, non-targeted effects, and expenses. The following sections offer an overview of different types of forest pests and pathogens, as well as their threats
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