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Exploring behavioural and physiological adaptations in mountain pine beetle in response to elevated ozone
Rashaduz Zaman1, Ateeq Shah1, Guncha Ishangulyyeva1
1Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada.
Chemosphere
|July 3, 2024
Summary
Elevated ozone (eO3) harms mountain pine beetles, reducing reproduction but surprisingly improving survival and adaptive behaviors. Transgenerational effects suggest potential stress resistance in future beetle generations.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Entomology
Background:
- Elevated ozone (eO3) concentrations are increasing globally, posing a significant threat to natural ecosystems.
- Insect populations, particularly forest pests like the mountain pine beetle, may exhibit altered behavior and physiology under these conditions.
- Understanding these impacts is crucial for predicting forest health and developing effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of elevated ozone (eO3) concentrations on the behavior and physiology of the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae).
- To assess potential transgenerational impacts of eO3 exposure on subsequent mountain pine beetle generations.
- To determine the implications of these findings for forest management and climate change adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Controlled laboratory experiments exposing adult mountain pine beetles to varying elevated ozone (eO3) concentrations (100-200 ppb).
- Assessment of physiological responses including CO2 respiration, survival probability, locomotion, and olfactory responses.
- Evaluation of behavioral metrics such as mating success and oviposition gallery length.
- Analysis of transgenerational effects on brood morphology, survival, and pheromone production in first and second generations.
Main Results:
- Elevated ozone (eO3) exposure led to shorter oviposition galleries and reduced brood production.
- Ozone degraded beetle pheromones, but also enhanced locomotor activity and olfactory responses.
- Surprisingly, beetle survival probability increased in both parent and offspring generations.
- Transgenerational plasticity was observed, with broods of exposed parents showing similar reproductive success to control groups.
Conclusions:
- Mountain pine beetles are sensitive to elevated ozone (eO3), experiencing both detrimental effects on reproduction and beneficial adaptive responses.
- Transgenerational effects indicate potential for developing stress resistance in mountain pine beetle populations.
- Findings provide critical insights for climate change mitigation and adaptive forest management strategies against insect pests.
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