Life-history strategies and virulence in the pinewood nematode

• Published in: Physiological and molecular plant pathology 2022-01, Vol.117, p.101756, Article 101756
• Main Authors: Pimentel, Carla S., Ayres, Matthew P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bursaphelenchus xylophilus; North America; Pine forests; Pine wilt disease; Plant pathogen; Secondary metabolites
• ISSN: 0885-5765; 1096-1178
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pmpp.2021.101756

We assessed variation and covariation in life history traits of the forest pathogen Bursaphelenchus xylophilus from a native population in North America. We tested for relationships between life history traits and virulence. There was more than two-fold variation among isolates from the same forest in their population growth rates when feeding on commonly co-occurring fungus. Slow-growing isolates were more sensitive to monoterpenes and fast-growing isolates displayed higher virulence, but only at high doses and in physiologically compromised hosts. Capacity to feed on pine tissues and tolerate some exposure to monoterpenes seems to be intrinsic to native populations of B. xylophilus. •The pinewood nematode has a complex life cycle with a high range in the level of virulence to pines.•Mechanisms of pathogenicity and virulence seem to be part of a suite of covarying life history traits.•Slower growth rates were related to higher sensitivity to secondary metabolites.•Faster growth rates were related with higher virulence, but only in compromised hosts.•Understanding variation in virulence of B. xylophilus may help managing its damage.