Modelling affected regions by the Iberian Quercus disease with proximity diagrams

Abstract

In this work, we propose a mathematical model to determine the potential propagation areas of the Mediterranean Quercus disease commonly referred to as "seca" (Tuser and Sánchez 2004) in specific areas of Extremadura. Although it is a syndrome of complex etiology caused by the action of the different biotic (insects and fungi) and abiotic factors (temperature, orography, soil, etc.), numerous studies suggest that the soil-borne pathogen cinnamomi represents the main responsible for the decay of the holm and cork oak. However, very little is known about the Phytophthora epidemic distribution patterns and its geographical dependence on other factors that favor its spread. With the aim to clarify this question, in this paper, we will use optimal computational geometry algorithms based on proximity diagrams that allow us to design a pathogen transmission map and to determine its correlation with different causing agents, specially with the presence of standing water or drainage lines water.