Publications by authors named "Laura Hernandez-Escribano"
Background: Fusarium circinatum is the causal agent of pine pitch canker disease, which affects Pinus species worldwide, causing significant economic and ecological losses. In Spain, two Pinus species are most affected by the pathogen; Pinus radiata is highly susceptible, while Pinus pinaster has shown moderate resistance. In F.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFis an introduced fungal pathogen extended to the northern regions of Spain that causes Pine Pitch Canker (PPC) disease. In this work, we analyzed the pathogen's genetic diversity to study changes over time and space since the first outbreak occurred in Spain. Using six polymorphic SSR markers, 15 MLGs were identified in 66 isolates, and only three haplotypes were found with frequencies higher than one.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pitch canker disease, poses a serious threat to several Pinus species affecting plantations and nurseries. Although Pinus pinaster has shown moderate resistance to F. circinatum, the molecular mechanisms of defense in this host are still unknown.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Global change is increasing forest vulnerability, particularly affecting maritime pine, which is facing significant decline and mortality due to various abiotic (like drought stress) and biotic (such as mistletoe) factors.
- Studies revealed that while fungal pathogens were largely absent, defoliation rates were higher in declining trees, indicating stress might precede infections from mistletoe.
- The decline of maritime pine suggests a potential shift in forest composition, with drier, more resilient tree species likely taking its place as it struggles to regenerate and maintain dominance.