Spectral Analysis, Biocompounds, and Physiological Assessment of Cork Oak Leaves: Unveiling the Interaction with Phytophthora cinnamomi and Beyond

The cork oak tree (Quercus suber L.) symbolizes the Montado landscape in Portugal and is a central element country’s social economic history. In recent decades, loss of thousands oaks has been reported, revealing ongoing decline these agroforestry ecosystems. This emblematic Mediterranean Basin host to soil-born root pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi, an active driver. this framework, early diagnosis trees infected by oomycete non-invasive methods should contribute sustainable management ecosystems, which motivated work. Gas exchange visible/near-infrared (400–1100 nm) reflectance spectroscopy measurements were conducted on leaves both control P. cinnamomi inoculated plants. These taken at 63, 78, 91, 126, 248 days after inoculation. Additionally, end experiment, biochemical assays pigments, sugars, starch performed. spectroscopic proved effective distinguishing between plants, while standard gas biochemistry data did not exhibit clear differences groups. spectral examined daily globally, utilizing PARAFAC method applied three-way array samples × wavelengths days. separation two plant groups was attributed variations water content (4v (O−H)); shifts spectra red edge; structural modifications epidermal layer leaves’ mesophyll. signatures can assist field identification that are interacting with cinnamomi.