Utilizing basic ecological knowledge on plant defence against herbivores is a novel tool for developing efficient and durable plant protection strategies. Yet, the focus has been on traits that prevent damage (resistance), while those enabling plants to withstand damage (tolerance) have been neglected. Adriana Puentes has received funding from the Swedish research council to explore how tolerance and resistance can be combined to decrease damage from pine weevils.
To tackle the long-standing problem of bark-feeding damage to conifer seedlings in forest re-establishment, this project will examine:
The project will provide a complete understanding of seedling defence ecology to develop plant protection practices and tree breeding programs that enhance resistance and tolerance, and novel knowledge to adapt forests to meet future risks.
Adriana will conduct this project in collaboration with the Forestry Research Institute of Sweden (Skogforsk).
Title of the project: Utilizing basic plant defences as a tool in plant protection: combining tolerance and resistance of conifer seedlings to pine weevil damage