Lessons from insect and disease impacts on radiata pine (Pinus radiataD. Don) plantations in New Zealand over the last hundred years

Abstract

The imp acts of past and potential insect pests and diseases in New Zealand's radiata pine plantations are reviewed. Invariably their impacts have decreased with time or can be easily managed. Despite past biotic impacts. growth rates have increased over the last 100 years. Pitch pine canker (PPC) is perceived as the greatest new threat. PPC's impact in California, Spain, Portugal, South Africa and Chile suggests that in New Zealand it would become a nursery problem. Radiata pine remains the best medium-density softwood for New Zealand although climate change may alter the site limits. While a biotic catastrophe, despite its low probability, remains an important risk, this risk is outweighed by the opportunity costs and risks associated with diversifying into alternative species. A strong biosecurity infrastructure is vital, as is maintaining a broad genetic base from which to breed resistance. Large plantation estates should develop defensive strategies against new biotic invasions.

Extracted Eucalyptus globulus Bark Fiber as a Potential Substrate for Pinus radiata and Quillaja saponaria Germination

“…The pH value plays a crucial role in regulating the ion exchange equilibrium between the nutrient reserves, the soil colloids, and the soil solution [40]. The pH values showed a slight decrease with the pre-treatment of the bark water extraction, shifting from 6.0 to 5.5 (a reduction of 8.3%) but remaining within the recommended range for organic substrates of nursery species.…”

Models for Economic Evaluation of Silvicultural Interventions in Radiata Pine Plantations in Italy

“…The use of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) in establishing new forests was a very important and sometimes obligatory choice, due to the species' characteristics as a fastgrowing tree that is able to satisfy the growing demand for wood products and forest services. The worldwide diffusion of this forest species exceeds four million hectares, and it is widely present in Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and Spain [1]. In Italy, radiata pine plantations have been established since the late 1970s, mainly in the southern part of Italy, where the Mediterranean climate conditions, with mild winters and relatively cool and humid summers, are the most suitable for the species [2].…”

“…Radiata pine plantations are definitely artificial systems and relatively simplified forest stands, being even-aged and with poor specific and structural diversity. From another perspective, though, older plantations contain large, fastgrowing, long-lived trees that interact in different ways with the environment and that can respond to disturbances as resilient ecosystems maintaining stability over time [1]. Typical radiata pine plantations management provides clearfelling after one or more thinnings, to ensure that only trees of good shape and vigor are left to grow to become more valuable as timber.…”