%0 Research note
%T Host tree and insect genetic diversity on the borderline of natural distribution: a case study of Picea abies and Pityogenes chalcographus (Coleoptera, Scolytinae) in Greece
%A Avtzis, D. N.
%A Aravanopoulos, F. A.
%D 2011
%J Silva Fennica
%V 45
%N 1
%R doi:10.14214/sf.37
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/37
%X Picea abies (L.) Karst. and Pityogenes chalcographus constitute a  commonly observed host tree–insect association in Eurasia, with the  natural distribution of the bark beetle overlapping that of Norway  spruce. The southernmost borderline of their distributions occurs in the  Elatia forest (Mt. Rodopi, Greece), where these interacting organisms  may experience severe conditions due to the effects of climate change.  In order to assess the dynamics of this host tree–insect association,  the genetic diversity of both organisms was studied. In contrast to  previous studies, the assessment of molecular diversity was based on the  same mitochondrial gene (Cytochrome Oxidase One) sequence for both host  and pest. This analysis revealed a remarkably higher genetic diversity  of P. chalcographus compared to that of P. abies, something that renders  the insect capable not only of adapting to novel environmental  conditions, but even of shifting to other host species. On the contrary,  P. abies presented a narrow genetic base, a potential drawback at the  southern-most region of the species natural distribution. Synthesizing  the preliminary outcome for both organisms, it appears that P.  chalcographus exhibits an evolutionary advantage over P. abies,  something that should be considered when planning conservation  strategies for the relict forest of Elatia.