Concluding remarks

Abstract

In this part, we dealt primarily with Monochamus alternatus because there is a great deal of information available on this vector of the PWN; however, this information has been obtained from a relatively limited area, Japan, compared to the PWNs range in East Asia. This presents some problem in understanding the complete biology of M. alternatus in relation to pine wilt disease. Most likely future research will effectively clarify the differences in morphology, physiology, behavior, and genetic relationship among M. alternatus populations inhabiting different localities. However, the population performance of M. alternatus in pine stands is essential for understanding the pine wilt epidemic in East Asia. Studies such as morphology and molecular ecology may help us choose beetle populations to be targeted. © 2008 Springer.