Decline in Values of Slash Pine Stands Infected with Fusiform Rust

Losses in product values due tofusi form rust , caused by Cronart ium quercuum (Berk.) Miyabe ex Shiraifi sp. fusiforme, were estimatedfrom four, 2.5-yr-old slash pine, Pinus elliotii Engelm., plantations planted in southern Mississippi over a range of sites with different growth potential and expected rust infection levels. The percentage infected stems rangedfrom 2.5% to 62% at age 2.5. The conversion-return method (Davis 1966) was used to take into account logging, transportation, and milling costs. Estimated stand values between infected and noninfected s tands were compared to determine the losses in product value due tofusiform rust . Decl ine in est imated s tand stumpage values rangedfrom 5.6% to 15.5% at age 25. S tand stumpage values at age 25 decl ined 0.26% per 1% increase in s tem rust infect ion at both ages 5 and 2.5. The strong l inear relat ionship between the percentage of stems infected at age 5 and decl ine in s tand stumpage values provides a us@1 tool for land managers who need to estimate the reduction in value of slash pine stands at harvest based on rust infection at age 5. Combining this information with estimates of losses from rust-associated mortality and reduced growth of infected stems (from other studies) permits land managers to est imate the value of slash pine s tands at harvest at early ages and decide among management al ternat ives . South. J. Appl. For. 26(3):134-139.