Differential responses of leaf photosynthesis to insect and pathogen outbreaks: A global synthesis

Outbreak of insects or pathogens (referred to as biotic disturbance), which is projected to continually increase in a warmer climate, may profoundly affect plant photosynthesis and production. However, the response of plant photosynthesis to biotic disturbance remains unclear, especially differences in response between insects and pathogens, which hinders the prediction of plant productivity in future climate. In this study, a meta-analysis approach was used to examine effects of insects and pathogens on photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area (Pn) and the associated characteristics from 115 studies. Our results showed that biotic disturbance significantly decreased Pn by 34.8% but increased Rd by 26.2%. Most of parameters associated with Pn were significantly reduced by biotic disturbance, including gs, T-r, photosynthetic pigments (e.g., a + b, a, and b), and chlorophyll fluorescence properties (Fv/Fm, q(p)). The disturbance type (insects vs pathogens) was the most important factor affecting the response of Pn, with a greater decrease in Pn by pathogens (-37.5%) than insects (-28.0%). The response ratio of Pn was positively correlated with that of gs and Tr for both insects and pathogens, while negatively with C(i )and positively with Chl a + b, Phi(PSII), and q(p )for only pathogens. In addition, the higher sensitivity of Pn to biotic disturbance in crop than non-crop plants poses a great challenge to agricultural system in the future. The weighted response ratio of Pn and relationships of Pn with other associated paramerters under insect and pathogen disturbance will facilitate vegetation models to integrate the effects of biotic disturbance on primary production, improving predicition of the ecosystem carbon cyling in combining with leaf area measurement.

Automated summary

This study examined the effects of insects and pathogens on plant photosynthesis using a meta-analysis approach. The results showed that biotic disturbance significantly decreased photosynthetic rate and affected various parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence properties. Pathogens had a greater impact on photosynthesis than insects. Crop plants were more sensitive to biotic disturbance, posing challenges to agricultural systems in the future.