Current and Future Dynamics of Disease in Plant Communities

• Published in: Annual review of phytopathology Vol. 44; no. 1; pp. 19 - 39
• Main Authors: Burdon, J.J, Thrall, P.H, Ericson, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palo Alto, CA Annual Reviews 01-01-2006
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; botanical composition; community structure; Ecosystem; ecosystems; evolution; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Generalities. Disease free stocks; genetic diversity; Genetic Variation; global change; Greenhouse Effect; invasion; literature reviews; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; plant communities; Plant Diseases - genetics; Plant Diseases - microbiology; plant diseases and disorders; plant ecology; plant pathogens; Plants - genetics; Plants - microbiology; species diversity; Synecology; Terrestrial ecosystems; Process dynamics; Community structure; Plant pathology; Dynamic characteristic; Disease; Plant pathogen; Plant community; Ecology; Genetic diversity; Review; Vegetation dynamics; Biodiversity; Invasion; Species diversity; Natural environment; Biodynamics; Ecosystem; Global change; Ecosystem functioning; Plant sociology; Anthropogenic factor
• ISSN: 0066-4286; 1545-2107; 1545-2107
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev.phyto.43.040204.140238

Pathogens are powerful evolutionary forces shaping the structure and dynamics of both individual species and of the communities of which they are part, at a broad range of genetic, ecological, spatial, and temporal scales. At all these levels their impact varies from the subtle and little recognized through to the most obvious destruction. Today the direct role of pathogens in natural plant communities is better recognized than at previous times, although the nuances of their interactions and the cascade of ramifications that can flow through changing biotic and abiotic effects are only now gaining recognition. However, as human influence on pathogens increases--either directly through enhanced if accidental dispersal, or through anthropogenic impacts on climate--we may expect to see increasing evidence of pathogens affecting plant species, community structure, and ecosystem function.