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Life History and Biology of Sirex noctilio

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Book cover The Sirex Woodwasp and its Fungal Symbiont:

Abstract

The wood-boring wasp Sirex noctilio has an obligate mutualistic ­relationship with the basidiomycete fungus, Amylostereum areolatum. Female wasps carry the fungus in internal mycangia and introduce it into a relatively competition free environment inside the living stems of Pinus trees. The fungus and a phytotoxic mucus produced by the wasp act in concert to stress the host tree, creating an ideal environment for the fungus to develop. Fungal development is essential for the initiation of insect development and nutrition of the larvae. Favourable conditions for the fungus produce larger wasps and this influences their longevity, fecundity and flight potential, thus facilitating population growth and expansion. Trees that are physiologically stressed, for example by climatic factors, overcrowding, or other pests and pathogens, are more susceptible to attack. In susceptible stands, populations of the pest were long thought to be regulated by a number of parasites. As the pest complex continues to expand its range, it is becoming evident that a more complex interaction of various biotic and abiotic factors combine to regulate population dynamics. Addressing such knowledge gaps is important if successful control of S. noctilio is to be ensured into the future.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Kathleen Ryan

  2. Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

    Brett P. Hurley

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  1. Kathleen Ryan
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Correspondence to Kathleen Ryan .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Cnr Lynnwood and University Roads, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa

    Bernard Slippers

  2. , Great Lakes Forest Centre, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Fores, Queen St East 1219, SAULT STE MARIE, P6A 2E5, Ontario, Canada

    Peter de Groot

  3. , Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology, University of Pretoria, Cnr Lynnwood and University Roads, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa

    Michael John Wingfield

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Ryan, K., Hurley, B.P. (2012). Life History and Biology of Sirex noctilio . In: Slippers, B., de Groot, P., Wingfield, M. (eds) The Sirex Woodwasp and its Fungal Symbiont:. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1960-6_2

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