Phytophthora-induced decline of fagaceae ecosystems in Southern Europe exacerbated by climate change: preserving ecosystem services through improved integrated pest management

Introduction

LIFE FAGESOS aims to address and remediate one of the most severe threats associated with global climatic changes: the outbreak of alien invasive plant pathogens, adversely impacting natural and semi-natural forest ecosystems. Phytophthora diseases are increasing their impact and distribution range in evergreen oak and chestnut ecosystems of the Mediterranean basin, boosted by temperature increases and higher frequency of extreme weather events such as flooding and drought.

Challenges

Scarce public awareness of the problem, severe human impact on forest areas, and the new EU regulation on fertilizers, which limits the use of K-phosphonate—the most efficient and eco-friendly molecule to mitigate disease impact—further increase the risk of epidemic spread of these diseases. Challenged forest ecosystems need improved tools and strategies to enhance their adaptation to the outlined issue, finally ensuring their preservation as important natural carbon sinks.

Proposed Solutions

Indeed, FAGESOS will introduce tools to combat diseases and enhance forests' resilience by:

1. Risk and Impact Assessment: The delivery of regional maps for risk- and impact assessment of Phytophthora diseases in the Mediterranean basin in diverse current and predicted climatic scenarios, as a tool for policymakers and forest managers.

2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): The development, validation, implementation, and dissemination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols, tailored to the specific target ecosystem, including a strictly scheduled use of new biomolecules and microorganisms with proven efficacy. Treatment protocols will be complemented by hygiene measures to prevent disease spread.

3. Monitoring Protocols: The delivery of fully accessible monitoring protocols, based on validated, innovative models and technologies.

4. Communication and Capacity Building: Intense communication, dissemination, and capacity-building activities targeting different stakeholders to raise awareness and induce adaptation of behavior.

Implementation

The project will be implemented in Italy, Spain, and Portugal through a multi-actor approach.