European corn borer

What is an opportunist?

An "opportunist" is a population (fungi, bacteria, insects…) that takes advantage of a favourable environment to settle in, multiply and feed on it. It often develops when the natural defences of the affected organism are weakened — for genetic reasons or linked to context (water stress, deficiencies, nutritional imbalances, overcrowding…). This is typically the case in monocultures, where a single host plant, uniform and present in large numbers, offers ideal ground for it to spread.

Close