Economic evaluation of damage by Heterobasidion annosum in a douglas fir plantation in Calabria, Southern Italy

Abstract

This paper analyses the economic damage caused by Heterobasidion annosum in a Douglas-fir plantation, in locality Scalzati-Purgatorio, on the Sila mountain (Cosenza). The profitability which could be obtained from different cultivation methods was analyzed hypothesizing: i) a pre-commercial clear cutting at age 35 years; ii) thinnings and clear cutting at age 50yr. In the latter case the use of a commercial product based on natural competitor fungus was simulated for reducing pathogen colonization of stumps after thinnings. Results of specific costs benefits analysis showed that clear cutting after 50yr preceded by selective thinning and stump treatments were positive when compared with pre-commercial clear cutting at the 35yr.