Belowground microorganisms drive aboveground plant–pathogen–insect interactions

• Plants interact with a large diversity of microorganisms and insects, both below and above ground. While studies have shown that belowground microorganisms affect the performance of plants and aboveground attackers, we lack insights into how belowground microbial communities may shape interactions between aboveground pathogens and insects. In this study, we investigated the effects of soil biota and aboveground attackers on plant performance, and examined whether soil biota influence interactions between plants and attackers. We conducted a growth-chamber experiment with oak seedlings (Quercus robur) growing with three distinct natural soil microbial communities. Plants were subjected to single or dual attack by powdery mildew (Erysiphe alphitoides) and aphids (Tuberculatus annulatus), either in the presence or absence of prior attack by a free-feeding caterpillar (Phalera bucephala). Plant height was influenced by soil biota, and seedlings with multiple attackers had more but smaller leaves than healthy seedlings. The soil community affected mildew performance, and mediated the impact of co-occurring attackers on aphid performance. Our study highlights that plant performance is affected both by soil biota and aboveground attackers, and that plant–pathogen–insect interactions are shaped by belowground biota. These findings are important for our understanding of species interactions in nature as well as for practical applications such as integrated pest management.   

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Ekologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Ecology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Belowground–aboveground interactions

Biotrophic pathogen

Compensatory growth

Herbivorous insects

Pedunculate oak

Ecology and Evolution

ekologi och evolution

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)