More diverse tree communities promote foliar fungal pathogen diversity, but decrease infestation rates per tree species, in a subtropical biodiversity experiment

Fungal pathogens have the potential to affect plant biogeography and ecosystem processes through their influence on fitness functioning of hosts. Simultaneously, changes in communities can fungal pathogen communities. Exactly which host attributes determine composition leaves remains poorly understood. Here, we characterized foliar subtropical tree along an experimental diversity gradient Jiangxi, South-East China. On 32 species, identified all visible structures symptoms microscopically studied fungi-specific traits such as conidia or spores detail. We asked how different facets biodiversity, including taxonomic, phylogenetic functional diversity, shape infestation at scales. found a positive relationship between richness plot level. At level individual trees same species was marginally significantly negative. Importantly, rates decreased increased, suggesting that colonization hosts by specialist fungi impeded dilution pool available Moreover, evidence for similar topologies genera is precondition coevolution leaf traits, habit (deciduous/evergreen), magnesium content stomata size predicted infestation. Synthesis. Our study indicates harbour pathogens, sums up highest more diverse forest stands. time, rate each with increasing forests. help better predict infestation, show phylogenetically closely related pathogens. These new insights might be helpful improve pest resilience future forests plantations.