Different Approaches to establish soil health and to combat Phytophthora cinnamomi

Abstract

The sustainability of ecosystems is threatened especially in unique spaces that traditionally have a great wealth of biodiversity. Since the beginning of the 80s, the multifactorial syndrome called “la seca” has been the main disease that affects the holm oaks and cork oaks characteristic of the Mediterranean forest, and that gradually dries the trees until they die. This pathology is multicausal and one of the agents with the greatest lethal power is Phythoptora cinamomi, of the Protista genus, considered one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world. Current solutions are based on preventive cultural practices and the use of palliatives, mainly chemicals. Research is advancing rapidly in the field and biocontrol solutions are being incorporated, such as the use of biological phytosanitary products, such as microorganisms or plant extracts with direct action against the pathogen, but which still present major deficiencies. The global overexploitation that has led to the rise of these pathogenic microorganisms leads to an impoverishment of the natural microbiome of the pastures, so it is necessary to reestablish this microbiome and the balance of the soils so that they recover their suppressive characteristics against P. cinnamomi and other pathogens that could threaten the disease. The objectives of this review are to raise awareness of the current problems in the Mediterranean forest ecosystem, and its relationship with a global phytopathogen such as Phythopthora cinnamomi, and to provide new strategies for soil regeneration.