Synergistic strategies in forest protection: a conceptual perspective on combined application of strobilurin based fungicides and foliar fertilizers

Central European forestry faces severe climate-driven challenges, notably the accelerated spread of needle cast pathogens ( Lophodermium seditiosum , Dothistroma septosporum ) among vulnerable Pinus outplants. Warmer winters have advanced ascospore release, rendering traditional calendar-based fungicide regimens potentially less effective. This communication presents a conceptual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) perspective utilizing a tank-mix of azoxystrobin-based fungicides and magnesium-hydroxide mineral suspensions. Unlike highly soluble inorganic salts that induce acute hyperosmotic stress and localized necrosis, these suspensions function as slow-release carriers, potentially modifying spray rheology to facilitate the formation of a form a stable protective film. This co-application is hypothesized to yield a physiological synergy: the acropetal translocation of azoxystrobin provides systemic protection and delays needle senescence, while the gradual release of magnesium supplies the essential substrate for accelerated photosynthetic activity. Crucially, this targeted foliar approach may potentially be less disruptive to vital ectomycorrhizal networks and microbiome integrity compared to soil drenches. This communication suggests that the dual-action strategy may enhance seedling resilience, offering a potential adaptation to climate-induced biotic stress.