The Role of Tree Diameter in Mortality Risks During Resin Production in Pinus brutia

Aim of study: In this study, the effects of bark streak tapping resin extraction on tree mortality risk and survival rates across diameter classes in Pinus brutia forests are looked into. Area of study: Research was conducted in the Korudağ Forest Sub-District, Keşan Forestry Department, and Çanakkale Forest Regional Directorate in Türkiye. Material and method: We monitored 396 trees for 17 months, extracting resin every 15 days. We used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to assess the mortality risks for three diameter classes: pole stage (8-19.9 cm), small wood (20-35.9 cm), and mature (36-51.9 cm.) Main results: Smaller-diameter trees (8-19.9 cm) exhibited the highest mortality risk with a survival rate of 71.1%, while medium-diameter trees (20-35.9 cm) had a survival rate of 93.2%, and larger-diameter trees (36-51.9 cm) showed complete survival. Overall, 41 trees (89.6%) died, with significant differences in survival probabilities among diameter classes. Research highlights: Smaller-diameter trees are more vulnerable to mortality during resin tapping, underscoring the need for sustainable management strategies.