Biography

A Solla has experience of about 20 years of teaching and 25 of research focusing on the study of pathology of trees. Primary interests lie in how trees respond to abiotic stress and pathogen infection, with a view to finding provenances and genotypes less susceptible to multiple stresses, and therefore, to be used in forestry. The influence of host physiology on the initiation and development of diseases remains a research focus. He has conducted research to (i) understand molecular mechanisms of tree-pathogen interactions, (ii) elucidate cross-induction effects between pathogens and insects mediated by the host tree, and (iii) improve forest health management. His current research interests include tree breeding in face of global change, with focus on oak, chestnut, alder, drought, heat stress and Phytophthora species. He is having extensive collaborations with EU partners and within networks, and techniques in use include a range of methods.