Distinct biogeographic patterns for bacteria and fungi in association with Bursaphelenchus xylophilus nematodes and infested pinewood

Abstract

Our research uncovered specific bacteria and fungi linked to pinewood nematode (PWN) and infested wood in three different vegetation zones in China, as well as samples from the United States. This sheds light on the critical roles of certain microbial groups, such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter , and Stenotrophomonas , in influencing PWN fitness. Understanding these patterns provides valuable insights into the dynamics of PWN-associated microbiomes, offering potential strategies for managing pine wilt disease (PWD). We found significant correlations between geographic distance and similarity in bacterial communities in the infested wood, indicating a spatial influence on wood-associated microbial communities due to limited dispersal and localized environmental conditions. Further investigations of these spatial patterns and driving forces are crucial for understanding the ecological processes that shape microbial communities in complex ecosystems and, ultimately, for mitigating the transmission of PWN in forests.