Plant Health in Agriculture and Forestry – Challenges and Prospects for the Next Decade

Plant Health in Agriculture and Forestry: Challenges and Prospects for the Next Decade is a publication edited by the Royal Academy of Engineering of Spain that provides a rigorous and multidisciplinary overview of the role of plant health in ensuring the sustainability, productivity and resilience of agriculture and forestry systems in a context of global change.
The book offers an accessible yet scientifically grounded introduction to plant health, highlighting its critical importance for global food security, environmental protection and economic development. It examines the major threats affecting crops and forest ecosystems—including pests, diseases, invasive species and climate change—and analyses their impact on productivity, ecosystem services and the stability of the agrifood system .
Structured into three main parts, the volume first explores the contribution of plant health to agricultural and forestry objectives, particularly in relation to sustainability and resource efficiency. It then addresses the key challenges facing plant health in the coming decade, such as biosecurity risks, regulatory constraints, and the transition towards more sustainable production systems. Finally, it presents emerging scientific and technological advances, including precision agriculture, biological control, resistant cultivars and integrated pest management, which are shaping the future of the discipline.
Authored by renowned experts Rafael M. Jiménez Díaz, María Milagros López and Ramon Albajes, the publication combines decades of scientific experience with a critical perspective on current developments. It reflects the commitment of the Royal Academy of Engineering to promoting technical knowledge, fostering informed debate and supporting innovation in strategic sectors essential to societal well-being.