Montes del Plata and its commitment to forest health

Abstract

Eucalypts are Austro-Malayan trees. Most species are endemic to the Australian mainland and adjacent islands but are also found in Papua New Guinea and the eastern Indonesian islands. Uruguay is one of the eucalyptus producing countries in the world, presenting favourable conditions for the performance and adaptation of this genus. This exotic species manages to express its genetic potential because it escapes from its natural enemies in its place of origin (Australia). However, globalization, world trade, the movement of germplasm, and climate change are factors that contribute to the movement of eucalyptus pests and diseases, resulting in many cases in biological invasions and the reunion of eucalyptus with some of its natural enemies. In this context, Montes del Plata aims to establish permanent monitoring and continuous health surveillance, as an early warning system both in nurseries and plantations, not only against emerging pathogens, but also against pathogens with known destructive potential for eucalyptus. In this way, we seek to establish an appropriate action plan, based on a correct identification of the causal agent, and an appropriate methodology to understand the potential impact. To do this, we bring together collaborations from multiple disciplines, both from the private sector and academia, generating: i) knowledge (supporting the identification of causal agents associated with new symptoms, and participating in projects of importance for the country's forest health); ii) tools for the recognition of pests and diseases (books and mobile application); iii) training, and iv) availability of information to enrich research to protect forest health. An example of this is the “defoliator lizard monitoring plan”, which aims to identify species, determine biological cycles, and confirm which species are pests of eucalyptus.