Economic implications of a native tree disease, Caliciopsis canker, on the white pine (Pinus strobus) lumber industry in the northeastern United States

Abstract

In the northeastern United States, eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) is a leading species in the forest products industry. The native pathogen Caliciopsis pinea Peck is associated with Caliciopsis canker of white pine, with symptoms including excessive resin production and cankers. This study processed 28.0 m3 of white pine lumber to (i) quantify losses resulting from Caliciopsis canker, (ii) assess how damage varies between Caliciopsis canker symptom severity and thinning, and (iii) quantify economic loss resulting from damage. Caliciopsis canker damage was present in 37% of lumber, yet only 10% was downgraded due to canker damage. Of the downgraded lumber, the vast majority (77%) lost one grade. Additionally, severely symptomatic trees consistently had more damage, and their lumber was more likely to be downgraded than trees with low symptom severity. Caliciopsis canker damage resulted in average revenue losses of 2.3%, yet much of the sampled lumber had other, more significant damage that resulted in downgrade: highly symptomatic trees averaged 63% of the revenue of low or asymptomatic trees. Caliciopsis canker, therefore, can be used as an indicator of poor quality trees. We recommend thinning Caliciopsis canker symptomatic trees to meet low-density stocking guidelines, which may minimize revenue loss while simultaneously minimizing stress to residual stock.