Chestnut ink disease: worsened by climate change?

In recent decades the chestnut forests south of the Alps (TI, GR) have been affected by a resurgent ink disease. This serious disease is caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. cambivora, two invasive exotic pathogens that react to low temperatures. Their emergence could therefore be due to progressive climate change. The aim of this project is to determine the current prevalence of ink disease and the underlying factors, its future spread in Switzerland with the expected climate change, the possible routes of introduction and spread of the two pathogens, and to determine which tree species that are climate-friendly and resistant to the two pathogens could replace chestnut.