Global warming is expected to increase the impacts of insect herbivores but… what climatic factors increase the incidence in complex organisms such as those that undergo metamorphosis? Are the dynamics homogeneous throughout the species distribution range? or how do trees progressively modify their hydraulic system and the patterns of water and carbon acquisition and use in response to defoliations? PROWARM project aims to address these questions in the case of the pine processionary moth (PPM), the most important defoliating insect in the Mediterranean Basin. PROWARM evaluates the PPM-climate and PPM-host interactions to understand the spatio-temporal changes in PPM defoliations. We will combine tree-ring and remote-sensing based information and Artificial Intelligence to reconstruct and analyse the PPM dynamics across the species distribution area. We will also track the PPM incidence on host functioning by measuring gas exchange and photosynthetic activity, through in-situ ecophysiological measurements, stable isotopes, and drone flights.
Project PROWARM (PID2020-118444GA-I00) funded by MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033
