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Microfluidic Tools for Probing Fungal-Microbial Interactions at the Cellular Level

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Fungal phyllosphere communities are altered by indirect interactions among trophic levels.

Jose L Perez¹, J Victor French, Kenneth R Summy

¹Department of Biology and Center for Subtropical Studies, The University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX 78541, USA.

Microbial Ecology

|January 7, 2009

Summary

Parasitoid wasps indirectly reduce fungal diversity in citrus groves. This top-down trophic cascade impacts the phyllosphere community, revealing complex interactions beyond simple plant-herbivore dynamics.

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Microbial Ecology
Entomology

Background:

Terrestrial trophic interactions (predator-herbivore-plant) are well-documented.
The impact of these interactions on phyllosphere microbial communities remains largely unexplored.
Citrus blackfly (Aleurocanthus woglumi) and its parasitoids (Amitus hesperidum, Encarsia opulenta) are invasive species in South Texas.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of parasitoid activity, citrus blackfly herbivory, and sooty mold infestation on phyllosphere fungal community structure and diversity.
To examine the role of trophic cascades in shaping the citrus phyllosphere mycobiota.

Main Methods:

Collection of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) leaves from orchards in South Texas with varying levels of infestation.
Analysis of phyllosphere fungal community structure and diversity in relation to parasitism and sooty mold presence.
Assessment of honeydew deposition as a substrate for fungal growth.

Main Results:

Parasitoid wasps indirectly decrease fungal community diversity in the citrus phyllosphere.
Low parasitism levels allow citrus blackfly populations to increase, leading to honeydew production and subsequent sooty mold growth.
Sooty mold, often identified as Capnodium citri, is a complex community of fungi, including saprophytes and potential citrus pathogens.

Conclusions:

Parasitoid presence initiates a top-down trophic cascade that significantly alters phyllosphere fungal diversity and structure.
The study highlights the intricate ecological relationships within the citrus phyllosphere ecosystem.
Re-evaluation of sooty mold composition reveals a diverse mycobiota with implications for citrus health.