The role of chemical communication in the infection and spread of pine wood nematodes (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)
化学通讯在松材线虫侵染和扩散中的作用

The pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus; PWN) is an exotic invasive species. It causes pine wilt disease. Since the index case in Nanking, China (1982) it has been epidemic, spreading rapidly and destroying Chinese pine forests. Pine wilt disease requires a vector (the pine sawyer beetle) and accessory microbes, both fungi and bacteria. Extensive chemical communication adjusts the behavior of the PWN and promotes transmission. These can potentially alter the course of individual cases and th...