Project reference: 1999-04
Evaluation of Risk and Impact of Possum Damage to Radiata Pine Plantations. Year 1 & 2
Project description:
Many forest blocks suffer possum damage throughout the life of the stand although its impact on stand health and productivity is probably confined to the first 15 or 20 years of growth. Visual damage to many stands, particularly those adjacent to indigenous forest, suggest possums are having a significant impact on tree form and providing entry to such pathogens as Diplodia. Although remedial action is available to managers, the impact of damage over the life of the stand is unclear.
It is proposed to examine the characteristics which are common to pine forests subject to recurring possum damage, with particular reference to site, including proximity to native vegetation, site vegetation at planting etc. The aim is to provide a profile of forest sites which can be expected to suffer from significant possum impacts. The evaluation will involve analysis of historical data from the Forest Health database and field evaluation of sites showing recurring significant damage.
It is also proposed to evaluate particular types of possum damage for their impact on plantation productivity, such that any assessment can focus only on those components affecting tree health and quality. In particular, the evaluation will examine the impact of repeated damage over the first 10 to 15 years of tree growth and the need or otherwise to carry out a study of log quality at harvest as a measure of the cost of damage
The study aims to concentrate strictly on possum-induced damage of management interest, and not possum numbers. It is seen as complementary to a damage assessment methodology proposed by Landcare Research and close collaboration would be expected.
It is proposed to examine the characteristics which are common to pine forests subject to recurring possum damage, with particular reference to site, including proximity to native vegetation, site vegetation at planting etc. The aim is to provide a profile of forest sites which can be expected to suffer from significant possum impacts. The evaluation will involve analysis of historical data from the Forest Health database and field evaluation of sites showing recurring significant damage.
It is also proposed to evaluate particular types of possum damage for their impact on plantation productivity, such that any assessment can focus only on those components affecting tree health and quality. In particular, the evaluation will examine the impact of repeated damage over the first 10 to 15 years of tree growth and the need or otherwise to carry out a study of log quality at harvest as a measure of the cost of damage.
The study aims to concentrate strictly on possum-induced damage of management interest, and not possum numbers. It is seen as complementary to a damage assessment methodology proposed by Landcare Research and close collaboration would be expected.
Research Provider:
Forest Research
