A framework for the use of economic thresholds in forest pest management

Abstract

This paper explores the use of economic thresholds as an aid to decision making in forest pest management. Economic thresholds have been applied to insect, weed and fungus control problems in agriculture. The motivation for the use of economic thresholds in pest control is both the reduction of the total amount of pest control product used and the more cost-effective use of the product that is applied. To date, however, the application of economic thresholds has been limited in forestry. Extensions of the available framework, particularly extensions to accommodate the temporal dimensions of forest production, are described. Issues related to data needs are identified. Key words: economic thresholds, forest pest management, rotation models