Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría

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Climate-sensitive modelling of poplar short-rotation plantations: 3-PG growth predictions considering water limited-conditions
(Elsevier, 2026-04) Fuertes Sánchez, Alicia; Rodríguez Soalleiro, Roque; Pérez Cruzado, César; Cañellas, Isabel; Sixto Blanco, Hortensia; Oliveira, Nerea; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Escola Politécnica Superior de Enxeñaría
The production of woody biomass for bioenergy and bioproducts is crucial in the transition towards sustainable energy systems in the context of bioeconomy development. Poplar short-rotation coppice (SRC) plantations represent a promising lignocellulosic resource. Climate-sensitive, process-based models are therefore essential for projecting biomass yields under global change. Their relevance becomes even more evident for SRC plantations under Mediterranean conditions, where irrigation is often required, given the upcoming scenarios of increasing water limitation. This study adapt and validate the 3-PG (Physiological Principles in Predicting Growth) model for poplar SRC systems, focusing on the biomass-oriented hybrid Populus ‘AF2’ to improve yield predictions across successive rotations. We evaluated biomass production under contrasting irrigation scenarios: optimal (T1) and restricted water availability (T2), with a detailed analysis of net primary production allocation to foliage, stems, and roots. High precision was achieved for leaf area index, leaf and stem biomass, especially in rotation 1, while root estimates showed greater variability and remained the most challenging component to simulate. Water limitation markedly reduced growth, decreasing stem, leaf, and root biomass by 39.25 %, 47.85 %, and 45.13 %, respectively. Future climate simulations (SSP3-7.0, 2040–2070) revealed site-specific responses: productivity declined slightly at the driest site, whereas northern locations experienced moderate gains where warming coincided with stable or increased precipitation. These results indicate that water availability will remain the dominant constraint on SRC productivity under future Mediterranean climates. Overall, the adapted 3-PG model provides a valuable tool for assessing productivity, carbon allocation, biomass partitioning, and climate–water interactions in poplar SRC systems.
Libro de Campo de la 63ª Reunión Científica de la Sociedad Española de Pastos, SEP. “Los Pastos como elemento vertebrador de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible”
(Sociedad Española de Pastos, 2025-09-23) Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Anatomía, Produción Animal e Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola; Roca Fernández, Ana Isabel; Bande Castro, María José; Osoro Corsino, Andrés; López Álvarez, Óscar; Roig Gómez, Sonia
Libro de Actas de la 63ª Reunión Científica de la Sociedad Española de Pastos, SEP. “Los pastos como elemento vertebrador de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible”
(Sociedad Española de Pastos, 2025-09-23) Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Anatomía, Produción Animal e Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola; Osoro Corsino, Andrés; Bande Castro, María José; Roca Fernández, Ana Isabel; Barreiro Buján, Ana; Roig Gómez, Sonia
Genetic Diversity of Local Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Traceability in the Production of Galician Bread (Protected Geographical Indication) by Microsatellites
(MDPI, 2024) Urquijo-Zamora, Luis; Pereira Lorenzo, Santiago; Romero Rodríguez, María de los Ángeles; Lombardero Fernández, Matilde; Ramos Cabrer, Ana María; Fernández-Otero, Cristina Isabel; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Química Analítica, Nutrición e Bromatoloxía; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Anatomía, Produción Animal e Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Instituto de Biodiversidade Agraria e Desenvolvemento Rural (IBADER)
Galician wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) serves as the foundational component of Galician bread, a traditional Spanish product granted the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI, EU quality scheme), which is primarily conserved at the Agricultural Research Center of Mabegondo (CIAM), Xunta de Galicia, A Coruña, Spain. This study evaluated 20 ecotypes and cultivars, in comparison to 4 Galician wheats and 14 commercial wheat varieties used as references. Seventeen simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were evaluated to elucidate their genetic structure, determine their origins, and differentiate them from commercial cultivars for traceability purposes. In total, 296 wheat plants were analyzed, revealing 156 unique genotypes, 13 of which were from commercial cultivars and 143 of which were from local cultivars and ecotypes. The SSR loci revealed 221 microsatellite alleles, with an average of 11 alleles per locus. Of these, 151 alleles were found in local cultivars and ecotypes, and 134 were present in commercial cultivars, with 65 and 50 alleles exclusive to each group, respectively. A Structure software analysis demonstrated substantial genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.26) between two primary clusters, RPP1 (comprising commercial cultivars, and two ecotypes, 41 and 43) and RPP2 (consisting of local cultivars, elite lines, and ecotypes). Moreover, neighbor-joining tree analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the high differentiation between these clusters, highlighting the singularity of Galician wheat, which is useful for the traceability of Galician bread. Furthermore, the SSRs were effective in tracking the use of Galician wheat, which displayed specific Galician alleles, in flour, sourdough, and bread samples, corroborating previous findings even when a greater number of Galician ecotypes were included.
Glycemic response and starch digestibility in traditional and industrial breads from the Galician market (NW Spain)
(Elsevier, 2025-11-04) España Fariñas, M. Pilar; Méndez Sánchez, Esperanza María; Pereira Lorenzo, Santiago; Romero Rodríguez, María de los Ángeles; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Facultade de Ciencias; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Escola Politécnica Superior de Enxeñaría; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Instituto de Biodiversidade Agraria e Desenvolvemento Rural (IBADER); Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
In Galicia, bread is not only a dietary staple but also a cultural and high-value product. The increasing replacement of traditional bread by industrial alternatives has raised nutritional concerns. This study assessed in vitro starch digestibility and estimated glycemic index (eGI) in 72 breads from the Galician market, including industrial and artisan traditional samples made with wheat, rye, or corn. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed across samples in terms of starch fractions and glycemic index. Traditional breads made with local corn or rye flours showed lower eGI values and higher resistant starch contents, whereas industrial wheat breads exhibited higher eGI and rapidly digestible starch fractions. Both compositional and technological factors influenced glycemic response, including cereal type, sourdough use, and fermentation duration. Overall, traditional breads produced with local flours and long fermentation displayed a slower starch digestibility pattern and more favorable nutritional profile than industrial counterparts, supporting their promotion as healthier options within a balanced diet.
Modelling and optimising associated biodiversity in alley cropping systems
(Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, 2025) Santos, Mário; Gonçalves, Berta; Mosquera Losada, María Rosa; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría; Mosquera Losada, María Rosa; Martin, Ladislau; Pantera, Anastasia; Chatrchyan, Allison
Agricultural intensification, as well as the abandonment of traditional agriculture practices, can result in reduced biodiversity and ecosystem services that are difficult to reverse because of the long-time lags characterising the dynamics of socio-ecological systems (Santos et al., 2022b). Societal and ecological mechanisms interact, generating changes in biological communities and degradation of ecosystem functions that are misunderstood and, at a human generation time-scale, mostly irreversible. Our modelling approach complements previous work relating to agroforestry, management and biodiversity conservation. The simple demonstration, supported by partial contributions for overall diversity, reinforces the idea that agroforestry (in our case study, alley cropping) seems critical to halt biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes. Despite the limitations inherent to a preliminary modelling exercise, the methodology developed provides a tarting point to anticipate the changes in associated biodiversity induced by farmer choices and management options, guiding pertinent future strategies to integrate crop production with nature.
Alternative Tactics to Herbicides in Integrated Weed Management: A Europe-Centered Systematic Literature Review
(MDPI, 2026) Gagliardi, Lorenzo; Rodríguez Rigueiro, Francisco Javier; Mosquera Losada, María Rosa; Fountas, Spyros; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
Weeds pose a significant threat to crop yields, both in quantitative and qualitative terms. Modern agriculture relies heavily on herbicides; however, their excessive use can lead to negative environmental impacts. As a result, recent research has increasingly focused on Integrated Weed Management (IWM), which employs multiple complementary strategies to control weeds in a holistic manner. Nevertheless, large-scale adoption of this approach requires a solid understanding of the underlying tactics. This systematic review analyses recent studies (2013–2022) on herbicide alternatives for weed control across major cropping systems in the EU-27 and the UK, providing an overview of current knowledge, the extent to which IWM tactics have been investigated, and the main gaps that help define future research priorities. The review relied on the IWMPRAISE framework, which classifies weed control tactics into five pillars (direct control, field and soil management, cultivar choice and crop establishment, diverse cropping systems, and monitoring and evaluation) and used Scopus as a scientific database. The search yielded a total of 666 entries, and the most represented pillars were Direct Control (193), Diverse Cropping System (183), and Field and Soil Management (172). The type of crop most frequently studied was arable crops (450), and the macro-area where the studies were mostly conducted was Southern Europe (268). The tactics with the highest number of entries were Tillage Type and Cultivation Depth (110), Cover Crops (82), and Biological Control (72), while those with the lowest numbers were Seed Vigor (2) and Sowing Depth (2). Overall, this review identifies research gaps and sets priorities to boost IWM adoption, leading policy and funding to expand sustainable weed management across Europe.
Population differentiation and plasticity in resistance, recovery and resilience to extreme drought events in Pinus pinaster
(Elsevier, 2020-05-16) Zas, Rafael; Sampedro, Luis; Solla, Alejandro; Vivas, María; Alía, Ricardo; Rozas, Vicente; Lombardero Díaz, María Josefa; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
Quantifying intraspecific genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity of traits involved in drought tolerance is essential to forecast forest tree vulnerability to climate change. Tree ring analysis was applied to retrospectively assess the resistance, recovery and resilience of a Mediterranean pine in the face of extreme climate episodes. We combined a dendrochronological approach with the analysis of common-garden tests to disentangle genetic, environment and genetic-by-environment effects in growth responses of 10 P. pinaster populations to two extreme climatic events. Trees were 43 years old and had experienced two intense droughts, in 1995 and 2005. Drought events caused drastic reductions in secondary growth, but trees showed high capacity to recover predrought growth rates. The differences in the characteristics of the two drought events and the environmental distance between sites strongly modulated maritime pine responses to extreme droughts. However, a common among-population signal across sites and events was detected in the drought response strategy. Among- population variation in response to extreme droughts was evident for the resistance and recovery components, two strategies that appeared to trade-off between each other. Populations from Atlantic climates showed higher resistance but lower recovery capacity, whereas Mediterranean origins prioritised recovery over resistance. Mediterranean populations showed a more conservative strategy that indicated an adaptive advantage under water stress, reflected in greater long-term survival. The abovementioned relationships were clear in the site where the impact of the drought events was strongest, but not in the more favourable site. Differences in relationships between sites reflect that strategies of populations to cope with drought are strongly context dependent. Based on these results, we infer that future extreme droughts will differentially affect P. pinaster populations across the natural range of the species. Immediate effects will be more evident in Mediterranean areas but, in the long term, population persistence in the face of climate change will be more compromised for Atlantic origins. Because local environmental conditions can considerably modulate responses to extreme events, special attention is required to define appropriate management practices to mitigate the impact of future droughts.
Aggressive tree killer or natural thinning agent? Assessing the impacts of a globally important forest insect
(Elsevier, 2021-12-02) Krivak-Tetley, Flora E.; Lantschner, M. Victoria; Garnas, Jeff R.; Hurley, Brett P.; Villacide, Jose M.; Slippers, Bernard; Corley, Juan C.; Liebhold, Andrew M.; Ayres, Matthew P.; Lombardero Díaz, María Josefa; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
Invasive insects and pathogens are prominent tree mortality agents in forests around the world, and the magnitude of their impacts is increasing. Comparative studies across multiple populations can be helpful for the development of new insights and innovative management strategies. We used the Sirex woodwasp, Sirex noctilio Fabricius, as a model system to compare invasion impacts across a range of ecological contexts around the globe: native woodwasps colonizing native trees, invasive woodwasps in non-native plantation trees, and invasive woodwasps attacking native trees. Across 133 stands of eight pine species on four continents, tree mortality associated with S. noctilio attack was positively correlated with stand basal area and stand density, and was mostly confined to smaller, suppressed trees. Larger average tree size and greater distances between trees were linked to lower levels of tree mortality. To more deeply assess the impacts of tree loss due to this pest, we examined mortality in vigorous trees, defined as those with a stem diameter greater than or equal to 90% of the mean diameter for trees in the stand. Sirex noctilio- related mortality in vigorous trees was rare, with one exception where Pinus contorta stands in Argentina lost as many as 300 vigorous trees ha-1. Pine species varied dramatically in their susceptibility to S. noctilio: for example, these losses in P. contorta were in stark contrast to very low mortality in P. ponderosa, the other pine species grown in Argentina. Surprisingly, location did not alter patterns in the influence of stand basal area on tree susceptibility for individual species. Most notably, Pinus radiata had the same relationship between basal area and tree mortality when grown in Spain (where S. noctilio is native and not considered a meaningful forest pest) and South Africa (where S. noctilio is a problematic invasive). Our findings suggest that the availability of optimal pine hosts is a key driver of S. noctilio-related tree mortality across continents and management regimes. Important variables that influence host availability include speciesspecific susceptibility and environmental and management-related factors that promote or limit the number of stressed trees present both within stands and across the regional forest or plantation landscape.
Magnetic nanostructures for marine and freshwater toxins removal
(Elsevier, 2020-10) González Jartín, Jesús María; Alves, Lisandra Cristina de Castro; Alfonso Rancaño, María Amparo; Piñeiro Redondo, Yolanda; Yáñez Vilar, Susana; Rodríguez, Inés; González Gómez, Manuel Antonio; Vargas Osorio, Zulema; Sáinz Oses, María Jesús; Rodríguez Vieytes, Mercedes; Rivas Rey, José; Botana López, Luis Miguel; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
Marine and freshwater toxins contaminate water resources, shellfish and aquaculture products, causing a broad range of toxic effects in humans and animals. Different core-shell nanoparticles were tested as a new sorbent for removing marine and freshwater toxins from liquid media. Water solutions were contaminated with 20 μg/L of marine toxins and up to 50 μg/L of freshwater toxins and subsequently treated with 250 or 125 mg/L of nanoparticles. Under these conditions, carbon nanoparticles removed around 70% of saxitoxins, spirolides, and azaspiracids, and up to 38% of diarrheic shellfish poisoning toxins. In the case of freshwater toxins, the 85% of microcystin LR was eliminated; other cyclic peptide toxins were also removed in a high percentage. Marine toxins were adsorbed in the first 5 min of contact, while for freshwater toxins it was necessary 60 min to reach the maximum adsorption. Toxins were recovered by extraction from nanoparticles with different solvents. Gymnodinium catenatum, Prorocentrum lima, and Microcystis aeruginosa cultures were employed to test the ability of nanoparticles to adsorb toxins in a real environment, and the same efficacy to remove toxins was observed in these conditions. These results suggest the possibility of using the nanotechnology in the treatment of contaminated water or in chemical analysis applications.
Multianalyte method for the determination of regulated, emerging and modified mycotoxins in milk: QuEChERS extraction followed by UHPLC–MS/MS analysis
(Elsevier, 2021-09-15) González Jartín, Jesús María; Rodríguez Cañás, Inés; Alfonso Rancaño, María Amparo; Sáinz Oses, María Jesús; Rodríguez Vieytes, Mercedes; Gomes, Ana; Ramos, Isabel; Botana López, Luis Miguel; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Fisioloxía; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Farmacoloxía, Farmacia e Tecnoloxía Farmacéutica
A simple method for the quantification of 40 mycotoxins in milk was developed. This method is based on a QuEChERS extraction followed by the ultra-high liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) detection, and allows the simultaneous analysis of regulated, emerging, and modified mycotoxins. A sample treatment procedure was optimized to include a concentration step for the analysis of some compounds such as aflatoxin M1. The method was in-house validated in terms of limits of detection (LODs), limits of quantification (LOQs), linearity, recoveries, and precision. LOQs lower than 10 ng/mL were obtained, and recoveries ranged from 61% to 120% with a precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation, lower than 15%. Therefore, acceptable performance characteristics were obtained fulfilling European regulations. The method was successfully applied for the quantification of mycotoxins in raw milk. It can be highlighted high occurrence of beauvericin and enniatins were found in low amounts.
Interactions between invasive pests and pathogens in a native chestnut forest
(Pensoft, 2024-09-18) Romay Río, María Flora; Castedo Dorado, Fernando; Ayres, Matthew Paul; Prado Vázquez, Alba Noelia; Lombardero Díaz, María Josefa; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
The introduction in the same area of different invasive species can result in novel interactions, with unpredictable consequences. We carried out a study in Galicia (northwestern Iberian Peninsula) with the aim of clarifying the interactions between two invasive species Cryphonectria parasitica and Dryocosmus kuriphilus. In 2018, we selected five chestnut plots affected by both species. We compared trees affected only by the insect and trees affected by both the insect and the fungus with respect to attack level, gall characteristics, female size and fecundity, and concentrations of nitrogen, water and secondary metabolites. We also evaluated female preferences in a greenhouse assay. There were higher levels of attack in trees affected by both invaders. However, the greenhouse assay showed that ovipositing females do not preferentially choose trees attacked by the fungus. The presence of the fungus had no effect on the size, wall thickness, or hardness of D. kuriphilus galls, but larvae were smaller in trees also affected by the fungus. The fecundity of females was strongly related to the presence of chestnut blight; the number of eggs per female was almost double in trees affected by the fungus. There were no relations between blight and the nitrogen or water content in the galls, where the insects feed. There were also no effects of chestnut blight on the concentration of terpenes or phenols, but condensed tannins were higher in trees with chestnut blight. The higher tannins induced by chestnut blight may directly or indirectly benefit gall wasps. Positive relationships between condensed tannin concentration and reproductive performance of other gall makers were previously reported. Tannins can also improve the negative effects of environmental conditions inside the gall. Our results indicate that the presence of chestnut blight can increase the suitability of chestnut trees for the invasive insect, D. kuriphilus, through the increase in tannins due to the presence of the fungus
The Database of European Forest Insect and Disease Disturbances: DEFID2
(Wiley, 2023-08-22) Forzieri, Giovanni; Dutrieux, Loïc P.; Elia, Agata; Eckhardt, Bernd; Caudullo, Giovanni; Álvarez Taboada, Flor; Andriolo, Alessandro; Bălăcenoiu, Flavius; Bastos, Ana; Buzatu, Andrei; Castedo Dorado, Fernando; Dobrovolný, Lumír; Duduman, Mihai-Leonard; Fernandez-Carrillo, Angel; Hernández-Clemente, Rocío; Hornero, Alberto; Ionuț, Săvulescu; Lombardero Díaz, María Josefa; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
Insect and disease outbreaks in forests are biotic disturbances that can profoundly alter ecosystem dynamics. In many parts of the world, these disturbance regimes are intensifying as the climate changes and shifts the distribution of species and biomes. As a result, key forest ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, regulation of water flows, wood production, protection of soils, and the conservation of biodiversity, could be increasingly compromised. Despite the relevance of these detrimental effects, there are currently no spatially detailed databases that record insect and disease disturbances on forests at the pan-European scale. Here, we present the new Database of European Forest Insect and Disease Disturbances (DEFID2). It comprises over 650,000 harmonized georeferenced records, mapped as polygons or points, of insects and disease disturbances that occurred between 1963 and 2021 in European forests. The records currently span eight different countries and were acquired through diverse methods (e.g., ground surveys, remote sensing techniques). The records in DEFID2 are described by a set of qualitative attributes, including severity and patterns of damage symptoms, agents, host tree species, climate-driven trigger factors, silvicultural practices, and eventual sanitary interventions. They are further complemented with a satellite-based quantitative characterization of the affected forest areas based on Landsat Normalized Burn Ratio time series, and damage metrics derived from them using the LandTrendr spectral–temporal segmentation algorithm (including onset, duration, magnitude, and rate of the disturbance), and possible interactions with windthrow and wildfire events. The DEFID2 database is a novel resource for many large-scale applications dealing with biotic disturbances. It offers a unique contribution to design networks of experiments, improve our understanding of ecological processes underlying biotic forest disturbances, monitor their dynamics, and enhance their representation in land-climate models. Further data sharing is encouraged to extend and improve the DEFID2 database continuously. The database is freely available at https://jeodpp.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ftp/jrc-opendata/FOREST/DISTURBANCES/DEFID2/
The impact of the Asian chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus) on chestnut tree growth may be mediated by site resources
(Frontiers, 2023-01-13) Castedo Dorado, Fernando; Álvarez Álvarez, Pedro; Lombardero Díaz, María Josefa; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
Introduction: The Asian chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus) is a major pest of chestnut trees worldwide, seriously affecting chestnut cultivation. Information concerning the effects of gall wasp attack on diameter growth of chestnut trees is currently scarce and limited to coppice stands and to use of the growth of a non-target control species (unaffected by the pest) for reference purposes. The effects of the pest on widely-spaced plantations (grown at a much lower density than chestnut coppices) and the use of explicitly-observed annual infestation rate data remain to be explored. Methods: In the present study, we analyzed the impact of the chestnut gall wasp on the diameter growth of chestnut trees, using data from 16 experimental plots established in widely-spaced plantations located in good quality sites. Two of the plots are in plantations where a susceptible hybrid chestnut clone and a chestnut clone resistant to the gall wasp coexist, whereas the remaining 14 plots are in Castanea sativa plantations where the level of gall wasp infestation varies across trees and years. The plots were surveyed to determine the diameter growth of the trees and the level of infestation during 5 years (2017–2021). Results: The infestation level corresponding to the theoretical damage threshold was surpassed inmost plots during the study period. Nevertheless, there were no differences in the growth of attacked and unaffected plants in the two plots planted with hybrid clones with contrasting susceptibility to the gall wasp. The attack had a modest effect in C. sativa plots, with a mean reduction in annual basal area increment of 9.9%. Discussion: These findings apparently contradict previous reports of a marked reduction in radial growth of chestnut coppice trees due to gall wasp attack. The difference in findings may be related to increased compensation for herbivory with increasing levels of resources (especially light) in the plantations under study, which were less dense than previously studied stands. The study outcomes add to existing knowledge on the impact of chestnut gall wasp on wood formation and may have implications regarding planting site recommendations and subsequent stand management
Local‑scale dispersal patterns and susceptibility to Dryocosmus kuriphilus in different Castanea species and hybrid clones: insights from a field trial
(Springer, 2021-11-26) Castedo Dorado, Fernando; Álvarez Álvarez, Pedro; Cuenca Valera, Beatriz; Lombardero Díaz, María Josefa; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
The chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus is a major insect pest affecting chestnut trees worldwide. Medium and long-term control of this pest can be improved by using resistant or less susceptible cultivars and hybrid clones. In addition, little is known about the local patterns of dispersal of the pest. We obtained data from trees of 3 chestnut species and 27 hybrid clones in a field trial in NW Spain with the aim of evaluating the susceptibility of the material to the gall wasp and identifying possible drivers of local spatial dispersal. In the first 3 years of the invasion by D. kuriphilus, the number of trees attacked and the number of galls on each tree were spatially clustered. Tree height significantly predicted both variables, suggesting that gall wasps may use visual cues to locate suitable host trees, at least in the early stage of invasion. Assessment of the susceptibility of hybrid clones/pure species must take concurrent indicators of infestation levels into account. We suggest the use of indices involving galls on shoots because these enable good assessment of the damage to chestnut trees. The study findings add to existing knowledge on the susceptibility of hybrid chestnut clones. We report, for the first time, two hybrid clones resistant to the pest and one hybrid clone which exhibited consistently low values for all of the indicators of infestation level. The results have important implications regarding selection of plant material for use in afforestation in Spain, where the current high rate of chestnut planting is expected to continue
Defensive patterns of chestnut genotypes (Castanea spp.) against the gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus
(Frontiers, 2022-10-28) Lombardero Díaz, María Josefa; Ayres, Mathew P.; Álvarez Álvarez, Pedro; Castedo Dorado, Fernando; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
Plants draw from various genetically controlled defenses to protect against herbivores and pathogens. The efficacy of alternative defenses can vary with the biology and phylogeny of the enemy. Dryocosmus kuriphilus, an invasive gall maker native to China, has become one of the main pests of chestnut trees around the world. We studied genetic variation in resistance and susceptibility to D. kuriphilus within a replicated blocked planting of 12 chestnut genotypes established in Galicia, Spain in 2004. We found very high genetic variation in susceptibility to D. kuriphilus. We evaluated if the variation was due to host selection by the wasp, differential efficacy of inducible defenses in the trees, or variability in susceptibility of the plant to manipulation by the gallmaker. We assessed host selection by counting number of eggs laid by females in tree buds and comparing preferences with phytochemistry. We also measured inducible changes in phytochemistry within and around galls, gall physical characteristics, parasitism, and insect fitness. The effective defense mechanisms in resistant genotypes involved (1) hypersensitive reactions to eggs or neonates within buds and (2) early precise abscission of nascent galls from expanding leaves. Surprisingly, the genetic resistance to D. kuriphilus of the chestnut genotypes we tested was not related to phenols, terpenes, and primary nutrition
Demography of an invading forest insect reunited with hosts and parasitoids from its native range
(Pensoft, 2022-03-25) Krivak-Tetley, Flora E.; Sullivan-Stack, Jenna; Garnas, Jeff R.; Zylstra, Kelley E.; Höger, Lars-Olaf; Lombardero Díaz, María Josefa; Liebhold, Andrew M.; Ayres, Matthew P.; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
The Sirex woodwasp Sirex noctilio Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), a widespread invasive pest of pines in the Southern Hemisphere, was first detected in North America in 2004. This study assessed the impacts of life history traits, host resistance and species interactions on the demography of S. noctilio in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, then compared key metrics to those found in the native range in Galicia, Spain. Many trees naturally attacked by S. noctilio in North America produced no adult woodwasps, with 5 of 38 infested trees (13%) sampled across six sites yielding 64% of emerging insects. Reproductive success was highest in the introduced host scots pine, Pinus sylvestris, but native red pine, Pinus resinosa, produced larger insects. Sirex noctilio required one or sometimes two years to develop and sex ratios were male biased, 1:2.98 ♀:♂. Body size and fecundity were highly variable, but generally lower than observed in non-native populations in the Southern Hemisphere. Hymenopteran parasitoids killed approximately 20% of S. noctilio larvae and 63% of emerging adults were colonized by the parasitic nematode Deladenus siricidicola, although no nematodes entered eggs. Demographic models suggested that S. noctilio in the northeastern USA have a higher potential for population growth than populations in the native range: estimated finite factor of increase, λ, was 4.17–4.52 (depending on tree species colonized), compared to λ = 1.57 in Spain
Biotic threats for 23 major non-native tree species in Europe
(Springer Nature, 2021-08-06) Pötzelsberger, Elisabeth; Gossner, Martin M.; Beenken, Ludwig; Gazda, Anna; Petr, Michal; Ylioja, Tiina; La Porta, Nicola; Avtzis, Dimitrios N.; Bay, Elodie; De Groot, Maarten; Drenkhan, Rein; Duduman, Mihai-Leonard; Enderle, Rasmus; Georgieva, Margarita; Hietala, Ari M.; Hoppe, Björn; Jactel, Hervé; Jarni, Kristjan; Keren, Srđan; Keseru, Zsolt; Koprowski, Marcin; Kormuťák, Andrej; Lombardero Díaz, María Josefa; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
For non-native tree species with an origin outside of Europe a detailed compilation of enemy species including the severity of their attack is lacking up to now. We collected information on native and non-native species attacking non-native trees, i.e. type, extent and time of first observation of damage for 23 important non-native trees in 27 European countries. Our database includes about 2300 synthesised attack records (synthesised per biotic threat, tree and country) from over 800 species. Insects (49%) and fungi (45%) are the main observed biotic threats, but also arachnids, bacteria including phytoplasmas, mammals, nematodes, plants and viruses have been recorded. This information will be valuable to identify patterns and drivers of attacks, and trees with a lower current health risk to be considered for planting. In addition, our database will provide a baseline to which future impacts on non-native tree species could be compared with and thus will allow to analyse temporal trends of impacts
The Fire and Tree Mortality Database, for empirical modeling of individual tree mortality after fire
(Springer Nature, 2020-06-22) Cansler, C. Alina; Hood, Sharon M.; Varner, J. Morgan; van Mantgem, Phillip J.; Agne, Michelle C.; Andrus, Robert A.; Ayres, Matthew P .; Ayres, Bruce; Bakker, Jonathan D.; Battaglia, Michael A.; Bentz, Barbara J.; Breece, Carolyn R .; Brown, James K.; Cluck, Daniel R .; Coleman, Tom W.; Corace III, R. Gregory; Covington, Willliam W.; Cram, Douglas S.; Cronan, James B.; Crouse, Joseph E.; Das, Adrian J.; Davis, Ryan S.; Dickinson, Darci M.; Fitzgerald, Stephen A.; Fulé, Peter Z.; Ganio, Lisa M.; Grayson, Lindsay M.; Halpern, Charles B.; Hanula, Jim L.; Harvey, Brian J.; Hiers, J. Kevin; Kolden, Crystal A.; Kopper, Karen E.; Kreitler, Jason R .; Kreye, Jesse K.; Latimer, Andrew M.; Lerch, Andrew P.; Lombardero Díaz, María Josefa; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
Wildland fires have a multitude of ecological effects in forests, woodlands, and savannas across the globe. A major focus of past research has been on tree mortality from fire, as trees provide a vast range of biological services. We assembled a database of individual-tree records from prescribed fires and wildfires in the United States. The Fire and Tree Mortality (FTM) database includes records from 164,293 individual trees with records of fire injury (crown scorch, bole char, etc.), tree diameter, and either mortality or top-kill up to ten years post-fire. Data span 142 species and 62 genera, from 409 fires occurring from 1981-2016. Additional variables such as insect attack are included when available. The FTM database can be used to evaluate individual fire-caused mortality models for pre-fire planning and post-fire decision support, to develop improved models, and to explore general patterns of individual fire-induced tree death. The database can also be used to identify knowledge gaps that could be addressed in future research
Supportive business environments to develop grass bioeconomy in Europe
(MDPI, 2021-11-16) Orozco, Richard; Mosquera Losada, María Rosa; Rodríguez Rigueiro, Francisco Javier; Adamseged, Muluken Elias; Grundmann, Philipp; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Produción Vexetal e Proxectos de Enxeñaría
Grasslands cover almost half of the total European agricultural area and are the source of a wide range of public goods and services. Yet, their potential to produce innovative bio-based products, such as paper and plastic, remains widely untapped. We employ a multiple case study approach and implement the Business Environment Framework by Adamseged and Grundmann (2020) on eighteen alternative grass-based businesses to investigate the interdependencies between these successful business models and their business environments. The subsequent analysis reveals that the deployment of funds and policies to support alternative grass-based products remains low in most regions of Europe. Our findings highlight that aligned funding mechanisms that incorporate and promote the specific benefits generated by grass-producing and grass-processing businesses are key to overcoming the barriers related to the competition of bio-based products with the established fossil-fuels-based economic system. To make alternative grass-based markets more dynamic, increasing consumer awareness through adequate marketing is perceived as an important aspect. Capacity building and alignment efforts need to be strengthened and coordinated at local and higher levels to enable the replication and scale-up of novel grass-based businesses in Europe and beyond

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