Globalization, invasive forest pathogen species, and forest tree health

In the last five centuries, the progressive decrease in transcontinental freight transport times due to the advancement of transport technology has greatly favored the involuntary transport of plant pathogens along with goods, and especially together with live plants. Species, whether plants, animals, or microorganisms, that are not native to a geographical area, but have been introduced to it, are called alien species. Sometimes, alien species, once introduced into an area, are able to establish themselves stably in the natural environment, spread without human mediation and cause damage to the environment and economy. These species are called invasive alien species and are responsible for biological invasions. Microorganisms detrimental to tree plant health that become invasive in an area outside of their native range are therefore called alien invasive forest pathogens.