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Positive returns from investment in fusiform rust research

Pye, J. M., J. E. Wagner, T. P. Holmes, and F. W. Cubbage

Fusiform rust [Cronartium quercuum (Berk.) Miy. ex Shirai f. sp. fisiforme Burdsall et Snow] is a widespread and damaging disease of loblolly and slash pine in the South. Research has identified families of these pines with improved genetic resistance to the disease, allowing production and planting of resistant seedlings in areas at risk. This study compared the cost of fusiform rust research to the simulated benefits of rust-resistant seedlings in plantations established Southwide between 1970 and 2020. Seedling producers provided estimates of resistant seedling production and gains in resistance over the period. Stand-level simulations evaluated the impact of various infection rates on financial yield on low-, medium-, and high-quality sites of each species, taking into account both mortality and product degrade effects of the disease. Two rotation regimes and four levels of infected stem utilization were explored. Stand-level yields were extrapolated to regional values using long-term distributions of plantation conditions from Forest Inventory and Analysis surveys. Simulation results showed that past investments in fusiform rust research of $49 million will return benefits to plantation owners of between $108 and $999 million in 1992 constant dollars. Expected improvements in resistance will not eliminate all financial damages from the disease; simulation results indicate substantial financial benefits yet remain for additional research and development.

Fiscal Year: fy97 ·  Problem Area: pa98-5 ·  Source: resunit   <== Explain

Citation: Pye, J. M., J. E. Wagner, T. P. Holmes, and F. W. Cubbage. 1997. Positive returns from investment in fusiform rust research. Research Paper(SRS-4):1-55. USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station,Asheville, NC.

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