Human-Mediated Dispersal and the Pinewood Nematode in China
Author Information
Author(s): Christelle Robinet, Alain Roques, Hongyang Pan, Guofei Fang, Jianren Ye, Yanzhuo Zhang, Jianghua Sun
Primary Institution: INRA, UR 633 Zoologie Forestière, Orléans, France
Hypothesis
How does human-mediated dispersal affect the spread of the pinewood nematode in China?
Conclusion
Human-induced dispersal significantly contributes to the spread of the pinewood nematode, necessitating control measures to mitigate its expansion.
Supporting Evidence
- Human population density levels explained 87% of the variation in invasion probability.
- The number of new records of the nematode multiplied by a factor of 5 since 2001.
- Short distance spread was estimated at 7.5 km per year.
- Mean long distance spread was estimated at 111–339 km.
- Railways, river ports, and lakes significantly affected the spread pattern.
Takeaway
People moving around can help tiny pests spread to new places, which can hurt trees. This study shows that we need to be careful about how we move things that might carry these pests.
Methodology
The study analyzed invasion data from 1982 to 2005 and monitoring data from 7 locations over 15 years, using models to estimate short and long-distance dispersal.
Potential Biases
Potential errors in geo-referencing infested areas and undetected nematode introductions could affect results.
Limitations
The model may not accurately account for local variability in temperature increase and the distribution of non-native host trees.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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