Bark beetle mycobiome: collaboratively defined research priorities on a widespread insect-fungus symbiosis

Abstract

One of the main threats to forests in the Anthropocene are novel or altered interactions among trees, insects and fungi. To critically assess the contemporary research on bark beetles, their associated fungi, and their relationships with trees, the international Bark Beetle Mycobiome research coordination network has been formed. The network comprises 22 researchers from 17 institutions.Thisforward-lookingreviewsummarizesthegroup’s assessmentofthe current statusofthebarkbeetlemycobiome researchfieldandprioritiesfor its advancement.Prioritiesincludedatamobilityandstandards,theadoptionofnewtechnologies forthestudyofthesesymbioses,reconciliationofconflictingparadigms,andpracticesforrobustinferenceofsymbiosisandtree epidemiology. The Net work proposes contemporary communication strategies to interact with the global community of researchers studying symbioses and natural resource managers. We conclude with a call to the broader scientific community to participate in the network and contribute their perspectives.