The economic cost of Dothistroma needle blight to the New Zealand forest industry

Authors: Michael Watt, Lindsay Bulman, David Palmer
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2011, Issue N.Z.J.For. 56(1) 2011, pp 20-22, May 2011
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Forest growers in parts of New Zealand consider Dothistroma needle blight to be one of the most serious diseases affecting growth of radiata pine. Past attempts to place a value on the cost of this disease to the forest industry have varied widely. A modelling project undertaken by Scion has enabled the economic effect of Dothistroma needle blight to be estimated with reasonable certainty. The cost to the industry was found to be $19.8 million per year. This cost was attributable to lost revenue in reduced growth and cost of chemical treatments. Results from this study indicate where economic losses due to Dothistroma needle blight could potentially be reduced. Background Dothistroma needle blight, which is caused by the fungal pathogens Dothistroma septosporum and pini, infects over 70 species of pine worldwide. While first described from the northern hemisphere, Dothistroma needle blight is most damaging as an invasive disease of exotic plantations in the southern hemisphere. Radiata pine is particularly susceptible to this disease and substantial growth losses can occur at high levels of disease severity (Figure 1). The disease causes premature defoliation of the tree leading to death in severe cases.

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