Vulnerability of planted forests to biotic and abiotic disturbances

Losses through reduced growth or mortality attributable to pests, diseases, and abiotic disturbances are generally less in intensively managed, plante d forests than in natural forests. Among plantation forests, the most healt hy forests are those of exotic species growing a long way from their native range (e.g., Pinus radiata D. Don in New Zealand) and the least healthy on es are those of indigenous species (e.g., Eucalyptus nitens (Deane & Maiden ) Maiden in Tasmania). The better health of plantations is a reflection of the generally good growing conditions, the proper matching of site to speci es that is possible in artificial culture and in the case of exotic species , the freedom from the many pests and diseases present in the native habita t of exotics.