Institute of Forest Ecology
Topic
Invasion of the oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata): investigation of genetic diversity and microbial interactions in oak forest ecosystems
PhD. program
Ecology and Biodiversity Protection
Year of admission
2026
Name of the supervisor
Ing. Marek Barta, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Technical University in Zvolen
Annotation
Invasive pests are a significant problem under globalization and climate change, as they disrupt native communities, stress trees, and alter predator–prey relationships, which can trigger cascading effects on biodiversity and forest ecosystem services. In the last two decades, the oak lace bug has spread across almost all of Europe and now threatens oaks in both forest stands and urban greenery. This species, originating from the Nearctic region, was accidentally introduced into Italy in 2000, from where it spread rapidly. In Slovakia, its main hosts are Quercus robur and Q. cerris. One problem for forest health resulting from lace bug occurrence may be increased activity of secondary pathogens, which can then contribute to oak decline. There is a presumption that the oak lace bug may act as a vector of fungal pathogens; although direct evidence is lacking, its life cycle indicates a potential for pathogen transmission, and research in this area has not yet been carried out. Entomopathogenic fungi are a taxonomically diverse group of microorganisms that infect and kill insects, thereby helping maintain the ecological balance of ecosystems. Information on the activity of these fungi in oak lace bug populations is limited, and options for their biological control remain unexplored. The aims of the dissertation will be to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the invasion dynamics of the oak lace bug in Europe by studying the genetic structure and diversity of its populations, to clarify its associations with the phytopathogenic microbiota, and to analyse its potential to transmit phytopathogens in oak stands. Another aim will be to identify entomopathogenic fungi of the oak lace bug as potential candidates for biological control.