MISTLETOE (VISCUM ALBUM L.) DAMAGE AND ITS ECONOMIC EFFECTS IN SCOTS PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS L.) NATURAL REGENERATION AND AFFORESTATION AREAS

Abstract

This study discusses the development of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) and its economic impacts on natural afforestation and regeneration areas. In this context, a total of 16 sample areas were determined in Scots pine natural regeneration and afforestation areas with resembling habitat characteristics. The occurrence status of mistletoe in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) individuals in these areas was determined according to stem, branch and corolla parts and morphological age determination was also conducted for the plants. Additionally, the relationship between diameter and length increase of healthy individuals, and ones affected by mistletoe were modelled with simple linear regression analysis. Besides, the tree asset values of the stands were calculated by estimating maintenance and afforestation costs at the working sites, and economic loss potential was determined through the targeted forest product revenue. Study results have revealed that natural regeneration sites are less exposed to mistletoe damage than afforestation sites. While the mistletoe exposure was found to be 27% in the study areas, it was determined that there was a potential revenue loss of 21% concerning the target economic revenue as well as additional labour and afforestation costs.