3 IPM-protocols developed, implemented and disseminated, one for each target Fagaceae ecosystem that enhance forests’ resilience against Phytophthora-induced decline exacerbated by climate change

Efficacy of at least 3 new environmentally harmless biostimulants (molecules and microorganisms) tested and validated in alternative or combination with K-phosphonate, to contrast the impact of Phytophthora cinnamomi

Mapping of diseases caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi will have been improved by innovative protocols that integrate a multispectral remote sensing approach and stochastic and machine learning models for: sarà stata migliorata grazie a protocolli innovativi che integrano un approccio di telerilevamento multispettrale e modelli stocastici e di machine learning per: (i) mapping active outbreaks and (ii) classify neighboring areas not yet invaded for the risk of invasion by P. cinnamomi.

At the end of project: 100% of project areas, corresponding to 18,119 ha, monitored; 110,000 ha of surrounding ecosystems ranked for disease dispersal risk; and 100% of the Mediterranean Fagaceae habitat mapped for disease impact, presence and potential habitat suitability for Phytophthora cinnamomi (93.850 km2).

Efficacy/efficiency of K-phosphonate treatments on chestnut trees (Italy and Portugal) tested and validated. At the end of the project, it is expected to release a routine protocol and to have treated and protected up to 50 + 50 hectares in pilot areas of Portugal and Italy.

The progression of decline and mortality of Fagaceae forest areas in the Mediterranean basin, caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, has been halted thanks to the large-scale application of improved and authorised IPM protocols. By the end of the project we expect to treat up to 1,070 hectares (7 demonstration sites) and protect up to 18,119 hectares of vulnerable areas in total.

Inoculum in the surface soil (20cm) of treated areas reduced by 80% .

On average 40% recovery of symptomatic trees obtained and 100% protection of treated non-symptomatic trees.

Awareness raised among 100% of forest workers, farmers and agronomists, regularly present in project areas and at least 60% of them engaged in capacity building workshops (1,220 participants)

Awareness raised among 50% of inhabitants of territories object of project actions through offline communication activities (42,239 citizens)

Awareness raised among citizens in the broader project regions through online communication activities (1,373,323 citizens).