Forest Tree Stress Biology: From Fundamental Research to Emerging Opportunities

Dear Colleagues,

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development established at the General Assembly of the United Nations and the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda of the European Forest-Based Sector for 2030 encompasses well-defined Global Forest Goals and Targets that highlight the need for sustainable forest management and improved forest resilience and adaptation. Stress is widely experienced by forest trees worldwide at several stages of their development. Forest Tree Physiology research is currently facing new challenges regarding the changing climate and emerging biotic threats. Investigations focused on understanding how important abiotic (e.g., fire, drought, wind, temperatures) and biotic (insects and pathogens) disturbance agents influence the main physiological mechanisms of forest tree species are required. These physiological studies will add new insights into tree survival and function and contribute to promote solutions to emergent societal needs and forest sustainability. Today, Plant Physiology is considered an integrative discipline that explores plant functioning at different levels of complexity, embracing the full range of technologies from cell to molecular biology. By linking the “classical” aspects of physiology to recent advances in forest molecular biology, new and exciting ideas about the mechanisms and key players behind tree stress response have been unveiled. The objective of this Special Issue in Forests is to summarize state-of-art knowledge on Forest Tree Stress Physiology by exploring all players involved in the stress response chain: from the drivers to the mechanisms involved in plant–environment interactions. Moreover, we would like to report if basic plant research discoveries are being translated into technologies or approaches that may improve forestry adaptation and surveillance—a vital issue in meeting the foreseen climate-related challenges. Review articles and original research papers in forest trees related with all forms of biotic and abiotic stress, including plant physiology approaches (from classical physiology to molecular techniques), are welcome.

Dr. Gloria Pinto
Dr. Joana Joana
Dr. Jorge Martin Garcia
Guest Editors

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