Abstract
Root rot caused by the soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi is leading to significant oak tree mortality in rangeland ecosystems in south western Spain. Susceptibility to P. cinnamomi infections of Q. ilex seedlings with a standard nutrition, deficient in K+, and deficient in Ca2+, was tested. Oaks deficient in K+ showed high values in Ca2+ content and were tolerant to the disease. Nutritional deficiency in Ca2+, however, did not lead to a higher K+ level in plants and induced poorer root development. In addition, K+ plant content does not appear to have any effect on pathogen tolerance. Based on these results, we conclude that satisfactory calcium nutrition may confer Holm oaks with a greater tolerance to root disease caused by P. cinnamomi. For this reason, limestone supplements are recommended as a measure against root rot caused by P. cinnamomi in rangelands in southern Spain, as a good option for control of oak root disease.
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