Tree improvement in Western conifers: economic aspects
An economic analysis is given of tree breeding programmes for improvement of ponderosa pine in the Pacific southwest and 'progressive' improvement of Douglas fir in the pacific northwest. Results suggested that these could produce a real rate of return of at least 8% if short rotations were used, or if tree improvement were accompanied by thinning. Cost/benefit, break-even analysis indicated that interest rate and real price increases in stumpage were the major determinants of profitability. An investigation of programme design showed that the larger the area over which the breeding effort is applied, the greater the profitability. However, large breeding zones increase the biological risk of non-adaptation to local conditions, and of loss of local genetic resources. The financial effect of increasing orchard seed yield was small unless the planting programme could be expanded. (Refs. 13).
- Research Organization:
- PSWF and RES, USDA Forest Service, Berkeley, CA
- OSTI ID:
- 5675533
- Journal Information:
- J. For.; (United States), Vol. 80:10
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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