Relationship between mechanical stress caused by wind and the spread of the fungus Kretzschmaria zonata in Tectona grandis commercial plantations (#2378)

Authors

Aguilar Villalobos, Nazaret

Céspedes Cordero, Víctor

Gamboa Alfaro, Krissel

Velásquez Hernández, Valentina

Abstract

The research study aims to demonstrate the relationship between mechanical damage caused by wind force and the susceptibility of Tectona grandis trees to infection by the fungus Kretzschmaria zonata. To achieve this, wind speed measurements were taken using anemometers at different altitudes above sea level; the force incidence index was determined based on velocity data; the correlation between wind-induced mechanical damage and susceptibility to fungal infection was analyzed; and possible mitigation strategies were discussed. The main result indicated that as the wind force magnitude increased, the spread of the fungus in trees also increased, confirming the initial hypothesis. Finally, possible mitigation strategies are proposed to optimize economic gains and maximize the ecological benefits offered by teak.