CCPaMe’s researcher and collaborators have enthusiastically worked during the 24 months of the Action to successfully achieve the objectives proposed as it described below:
We have conducted a field experiment of climate change simulation in an infested mixed Mediterranean forest located in Los Alcornocales Natural Park (Cádiz, southern Spain), as well as, several in planta experiments under controlled conditions to determine the interactive effects of climate change and woody plant community on the exotic pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. In particular, CCPaMe have been focused on the variation of this pathogen population density in wild forests mediated by seasons and tree species coexistence. As main results of these experiments, spring was detected as the most favorable season for P. cinnamomi inoculum viability. Additionally, CCPaMe described to Olea euopaea var. sylvestris as a new host of P. cinnamomi which susceptibility might be age-related. On the most important research findings is that P. cinnamomi may act as facultative homotallic under the influence of Quercus canariensis and Olea euopaea var. sylvestris, two of the principal trees integrant of plant community of mixed Mediterranean forests. Moreover, tree species coexistence and climate change did not decrease the severity of root rot caused by P. cinnamomi.
On the other hand, by another field experiment of climate change simulation in three un-infested rangeland ecosystems located in areas of high risk of P. cinnamomi introduction, we determine the variation of P. cinnamomi infectivity mediated by soil properties and microbiota composition during the two years of Action. CCPaMe results showed that at the end of summer soil properties are more favorable for P. cinnamomi infectivity. Consequently, the preventive action to avoid P. cinnamomi outbreak should be focused on this season. Additionally, the effect of climate change on P. cinnamomi infectivity, although it only differs to the control conditions during summer, is high linked to annual precipitation range.
Some of the main results of CCPaMe have already been presented in four international (2) and national (2) meetings. CCPaMe has also been focused on outreaching activities, actively participating at the European Researchers’ Night, ‘Caffe with Science’ centering on science dissemination to high schools’ students, general public speeches to celebrate the Environmental Day (June 5th) and by a website. Additionally, CCPaMe has served to the researcher to supervise three Master students and two undergraduate students.
