Pitch canker - terminator of economic viability for New Zealand's commercial forest estate?

Authors: G. Horgan, M. Dick
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2004, Issue N.Z.J.For. 49(2) 2004, pp 28-30, Aug 2004
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Pitch canker disease of Pinus spp., caused by the fungus Fusarium circinatum, is a serious disease of plantation and amenity pines in the south-eastern United States and California and a problem in forest nurseries in South Africa and Chile. Pinus radiata is known to be very susceptible to the disease. This paper attempts to quantify the possible economic impact of its establishment on the radiata pine industry in New Zealand under one potential scenario and comments on other potential scenarios. The cost of eradication attempts is addressed. It seems likely that should F circinatum arrive in New Zealand it would be a serious nursery pest. However, its impact in P radiata plantations is still a matter of some conjecture.

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