E. R. Spear

Host-generalist fungal pathogens of seedlings may maintain forest diversity via host-specific impacts and differential susceptibility among tree species

The paper investigates how generalist fungal pathogens affect tree species diversity in forests by testing their pathogenicity and host susceptibility.

Habitat type and interannual variation shape unique fungal pathogen communities on a California native bunchgrass

The study examines how habitat type and interannual variation influence fungal pathogen communities and disease burden in the grass Stipa pulchra.

Native perennial and non-native annual grasses shape pathogen community composition and disease severity in a California grassland

The paper examines how native perennial and non-native annual grasses influence pathogen community composition and disease severity in a California grassland, finding distinct pathogen communities but no significant density effects.

Priority effects and non-hierarchical competition shape species composition in a complex grassland community

The paper uses a population dynamic model to show that priority effects and non-hierarchical competition shape species composition in invaded grassland communities, with exotics outcompeting natives and exotic dominance driven by strong interspecific competition.

Foliar pathogens are unlikely to stabilize coexistence of competing species in a California grassland

The paper investigates whether foliar pathogens in a California grassland stabilize plant species coexistence by assessing host specificity and fitness impacts.