The number of pests and disease outbreaks in trees and forests are on the rise, according to a new study.
In the review "The Consequence of Tree Pests of Diseases for Ecosystem Service," researchers from the universities of Southampton, Cambridge, Oxford and St, Andrews revealed that the widespread death of trees - similar to that seen from Dutch elm disease and with the arrival last year of the new fungal disease of ash - is not unique to the United Kingdom.
"Furthermore, there is growing concern that aspects of globalization - in particular, high volumes and new forms of trade - may increase the risk of disease spreading and provide opportunities for genetic re-assortment which can enhance [the ability of an organism to cause disease]," researchers stated in a press release.
Their findings are alarming as trees and forests play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They also provide timber, food and other provisioning services such as carbon sequester and storage, reducing flood risk and leisure use.
In response to this impending epidemic, researchers said new approaches to pest and disease management are needed that take into account "these multiple services and the different stakeholders" they benefit, as well as the likelihood of greater threats in the future resulting from globalization and climate change.
"Modern pest and disease management for plants and the natural environment needs to be based on an extensive science base. We need to understand the molecular basis of pathogenicity and herbivores, as well as why some species reach epidemic prevalence and abundance," Peter Freer-Smith of the University of Southampton said in a statement.
However, researchers said singling out and identifying all species that may become pests will be impossible. They also stress the importance of risk management, especially where modern trade practices provide potential new routes of entry for pests and pathogens.
