FRIAS Conference - BBMicroNet

BBMicroNet: Exploring the Microbial Symbiont Network of Bark Beetles in a Changing Climate

Climate change-mediated bark beetle outbreaks are causing unprecedented disruptions to forest ecosystems worldwide. Despite extensive research on bark beetle-host tree interactions, much remains unknown about their biotic interaction network. Insects, including bark beetles, rely on a range of interactions with microbial symbionts for ecological and evolutionary success. These microbial associates can profoundly influence host traits, development, nutrition, immune function, behavior, and can even facilitate host adaptation to environmental pressures. A comprehensive understanding of these hidden microbial contributors — including their functional roles, abiotic and biotic interactions, as well as response potential — is crucial for addressing bark beetle infestations.

Our workshop seeks to unravel the complexity of bark beetle biotic interactions by fostering exchange among prominent researchers with a wide range of expertise. A special focus will be dedicated to Ips typographus, one of the most significant disturbance agents in European forests, and its associated bacteria - an essential but understudied aspect of this interaction complex.

The workshop has five major goals:

1. Synthesize current knowledge on the roles of bark beetle microbial associates in the beetle’s ecological and evolutionary success, with a special emphasis on Ips typographus and its symbiotic bacteria
2. Explore potential implications of climate change on the beetle-symbiont relationship
3. Identify key research gaps, develop hypotheses, propose innovative interdisciplinary research angles, and outline experiments to test these hypotheses
4. Produce a synthesis or perspectives paper for publication in a high-impact journal
5. Foster lasting collaborations among participants

Participants from diverse disciplines, including microbiology, molecular biology, chemical ecology, forest science and tree pathology, will contribute their multidisciplinary expertise to disentangle the complexities of the bark beetle-microbiome interaction network. The workshop will offer a platform for both leading experts and young researchers to showcase and further develop their work, encouraging networking and exposure in a stimulating scientific atmosphere. Through a combination of keynote talks, flash presentations, and interactive sessions, we aim to promote collaborative efforts to unlock new insights into this intricate interaction complex and catalyze future joint research efforts on the hidden roles of microbes in the beetle's life history.

Anmeldung

folgt in Kürze

Konferenz Kontakt

Kyra Vogt

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Organisation

• Raluca Hedes (University of Freiburg)

• Sifat Munim Tanin (University of Freiburg)

• Tobias Frühbrodt (University of Freiburg)

• Helge Löcken (University of Freiburg)

• Prof. Dr. Peter Biedermann (University of Freiburg)

• Dr. Vienna Kowallik (University of Freiburg)