Unveiling a Hidden Menace: Invasive Tree Pathogens, Less Known but Increasingly Threatening Southern Hemisphere...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Forestry
• Pathology

Background:

• Forest pathogens have historically restructured Northern Hemisphere ecosystems.
• Southern Hemisphere forests were historically protected by geographic isolation and lower trade.
• Globalization, climate change, and exotic plantation forestry are increasing pathogen risks in the Southern Hemisphere.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the escalating risk of forest epidemics in the Southern Hemisphere.
• To draw lessons from Northern Hemisphere experiences.
• To call for proactive and coordinated responses to emerging forest pathogen threats.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical forest pathogen impacts.
• Analysis of factors increasing vulnerability in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Synthesis of strategies for prevention and response.

Main Results:

• Vast, low-diversity exotic forest monocultures (Pinus, Eucalyptus) amplify pathogen spread and emergence.
• Eroding barriers increase the likelihood of incursions.
• Lessons from the Northern Hemisphere emphasize the need for integrated management.

Conclusions:

• Stringent phytosanitary standards, advanced diagnostics, and surveillance are essential.
• Collaborative breeding programs for host resistance are critical.
• International cooperation across sectors is vital for resilience against shared pathogen threats.