PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Mediterranean forests are currently facing serious abiotic and biotic stresses. The most prevalent abiotic stress is drought. Climate change models predict that the Mediterranean will be exposed to more frequent and severe droughts, which can in turn exacerbate forest fires. Forests are also affected by biotic stresses, including a variety of pests and pathogens that weaken and kill forest flora, putting the health of the whole forest ecosystem at risk. These Mediterranean forests serve as biodiversity refuges and important carbon sinks. Fungi are a fundamental pillar of biodiversity, both below ground (mycelia) and above ground (mushrooms), support numerous ecosystem services, and may serve as a defining tool for forests to adapt to climate change.
OBJECTIVES
LIFE MycoRestore sought to utilise diverse mycological resources and forest management practices to contribute to the biological resilience of Mediterranean forests. It also aimed at generating new income sources and ensuring the stability of forest ecosystem services while addressing the effects of climate change.
The projects main objectives were to:
- demonstrate sustainable mycological and forestry management practices to increase forest resistance to fires and drought (MycoForestry);
- promote green jobs in rural economies based on wood processing and innovative high-value mushroom products. The project demonstrated a circular economy approach to mushroom and substrate production supply chains (MycoEconomy);
- provide proof of concept on the use of natural myco-control products and native fungal species for reduced pest/pathogen presence in forests (MycoControl).
RESULTS
The implementation of the LIFE MYCORESTORE project has demonstrated that the mycoforestry techniques applied, such as mycorrhizal inoculation of edible and non-edible species, selective thinning, planting of mycorrhized trees and the use of entomopathogenic and hypovirulent fungi and biofungicides for biocontrol, have the potential to improve forest health, combating tree diseases, and enhancing ecosystem resilience. In parallel, the project has promoted a resource-efficient and circular economy approach to add value to forestry-related products and assets to be applied in rural areas. The business models promoted are based on the use of wood chips from thinning to produce biochar, mushroom growing substrate, and high-value mushrooms.
The project was carried out in several locations in Spain, Portugal and Italy, each with unique forest ecosystems and specific challenges.
In Spain, four demonstration sites were selected: La Alamedilla, Linares de Riofrío, Cubo de Don Sancho, Valdelosa. These sites represented different Mediterranean forest types and faced various issues such as oak decline, pest infestation, and chestnut blight. The MycoEconomy activities took place in Tavertet, Catalonia at Mas Avenc and Mas Rajols.
In Italy, the demonstration sites were San Godenzo and Vallombrosa. In San Godenzo, the project focused on a chestnut orchard affected by Ink disease and a chestnut coppice affected by chestnut blight. In Vallombrosa, a mature stand of silver fir was affected by root rot and wind damage.
In Portugal, activities took place in Cerdeira, an area where the native forest is under pressure from the presence of invasive species such as Acacia mimosa and Eucalyptus.
At the end of the project, the following results were achieved:
- successful mycorrhizal inoculation in demo sites (235.5 ha);
- successful isolation and testing of autochthonous biocontrol fungi;
- it was possible to reach and maintain an adequate pH level in the soil thanks to the application of calcium carbonate. With this correction it was possible to achieve a good development of the mycelium of ectomycorrhizal fungi and also serve as an antagonism against the phytopathogenic oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi since the calcium ion hinders its growth;
- biodiversity boxes promoted natural pest control;
- the application of the combined strategies implemented in the Mycorestore project significantly enhanced tree health, with an average 32% improvement observed for diseased trees;
- limestone amendments improved truffle mycelium growth;
- successful isolation and testing of autochthonous biocontrol fungi;
- production of medicinal mushrooms, in this case turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), on remains of silvicultural treatments to prevent the spread of chestnut blight. This supposes the demonstration of a new source of income, through the production of non-timber forest products of high economic and environmental value (since no energy is spent for their production);
- successful training and skill development for forestry workers. Many of the trained foresters obtained their European Chainsaw certificate and will continue to expand the obtained knowledge to create jobs and new projects in forest areas across Europe;
- promising prospects for sustainable forestry practices;
- integration of substrate-mushroom production for sustainability;
- biochar holds a lot of potential for added-value compost production, soil improvement and several other applications;
- potential for replication and knowledge exchange around circular forestry practices.
Regarding EU policies, the project is aligned with the New EU Forest Strategy for 2030 because promotes the implementation of innovative mycoforestry techniques, enhancing the ecosystem services provided by forests, addressing the growing demand for raw materials, such as mycelium-based and wood-based products, as well as renewable energy sources like biomass. The project also is aligned with the Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
