Economic Impact of Fire Blight with Susceptible and Resistant Apple Rootstocks

We estimated the economic impact of theoretical
\nfire blight induced tree loss considering a range
\nof scenarios. The use of fire blight resistant
\nrootstocks dramatically reduced the negative
\nimpact of fire blight induced tree losses on
\nlifetime orchard profitability. With susceptible
\nrootstocks (M.9 and M.26), the reduction in Net
\nPresent Value with high levels of tree infection
\nwas as high as 70% which would render the
\nplanting unprofitable, while with resistant
\nrootstocks the losses in NPV were lower (<30%)
\nand the orchard would still be profitable.