Summary
This study addresses the understudied belowground mechanisms underlying holm oak (Quercus ilex) decline in Mediterranean dehesa systems exposed to climate stress and pathogens. By comparing root systems across a health gradient, the authors demonstrate that declining trees employ a metabolically expensive fine root plasticity strategy to optimise soil resource acquisition, ultimately at the expense of crown maintenance. The findings suggest a maladaptive feedback loop wherein intensive belowground resource mobilisation compromises tree resilience and viability.
UK applicability
Direct applicability to the UK is limited, as holm oak is not native and the dehesa agroforestry system is Mediterranean-specific. However, the mechanisms of root-level stress responses and phenotypic plasticity trade-offs may inform understanding of native oak (Quercus spp.) decline under emerging climate and pathogen pressures in British woodlands and silvopastoral systems.
Key measures
Fine root morphological and architectural parameters; nonstructural carbohydrates in roots; soil resource-uptake strategies; phenotypic plasticity indices across health status categories
Outcomes reported
The study examined morphological, architectural, and carbohydrate parameters of fine roots across a health gradient (healthy, susceptible, and declining holm oak trees). Declining trees showed increased fine root phenotypic plasticity as an energy-consuming stress response strategy that compromised foliage maintenance and tree survival.
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