Synergistic degradation of lignocellulose by two primary pests of masson pine
Xia Hu1,2, Xuhuizi Xu1,2, Guoqiang Li1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.
Background:
The degradation and utilization of lignocellulose are pivotal for understanding the competitive dynamics and coexistence mechanisms underpinning complex invasions by wood-boring beetles. Despite the broad repertoire of lignocellulolytic enzymes in these insects and their gut microbiota, the collaborative mechanisms of lignocellulose breakdown remain poorly understood.
Results:
In the context of a multi-species beetle invasion system, we investigated the lignocellulose degradation processes of two major pests of Pinus massoniana, Monochamus alternatus and Orthotomicus erosus, using a combination of lignocellulase activity assays, multi-omics analyses, and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR). Our findings revealed that the two major pests of P. massoniana exhibit distinct lignocellulose degradation strategies driven by host enzymatic specialization: M. alternatus excels in cellulose hydrolysis via robust endogenous endoglucanases, whereas O. erosus prioritizes hemicellulose breakdown. Although the gut microbiota of both species assist terminal hydrolysis by compensating for low β-glucosidase activity and partially modifying lignin via selective β-O-4 bond cleavage, host enzyme divergence underpins their primary niche differentiation. The gut microbial composition further refines nutrient partitioning, enabling coexistence.
Conclusion:
This study unveils a dual lignocellulose degradation strategy in pine-boring beetles, integrating host enzymatic specialization and microbiome-mediated bond cleavage, which provides new insights into forest pest control and sustainable biomass utilization. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
