Effect of feeding damage by Orchestes fagi on infection of beech (Fagus sylvatica) leaves by Pseudodidymella fagi. Herbivore effect on beech pathogen

We analysed the impact of feeding damage by adults and larvae of the herbivore Orchestes fagi on infection rates of beech (Fagus sylvatica) leaves with Pseudodidymella fagi, an invasive plant pathogenic fungus. Fungal communities in leaves were assessed by metabarcoding of the fungal ITS rRNA gene region. Shade and sun leaves with and without feeding damage by larval and/or adult beetles were analysed separately in 43 trees.