Evaluating the effectiveness of the forest pests and diseases control methods on the industrial wood production using deep learning.

Industrial wood production plays a vital role in the economies of many countries by supplying raw materials for a wide range of sectors, including construction, paper, and pulp industries. However, the industry is increasingly challenged by the detrimental effects of forest pests and diseases, which compromise the industrial wood quality and amount, ultimately resulting in substantial economic losses. To ensure sustainable wood production, the development and implementation of effective pest and disease management strategies are of crucial importance. Commonly employed control strategies encompass a range of methods, including the mechanical, the chemical, the biotechnical, and the biological methods. In this study, a deep learning model was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of these control methods on the industrial wood production output. The results of the model indicate that all four methods contribute positively to the industrial wood production, albeit to varying degrees. Among them, the chemical control methods were identified as the most effective in enhancing production levels, followed by the mechanical methods. The biological methods ranked third in terms of effectiveness, while the biotechnical methods were found to be the least effective in comparison to the other approaches. Although the chemical control methods are associated with well-documented environmental risks, their discontinuation in the short term remains impractical due to their high effectiveness and rapid action against pests and diseases. As an interim strategy, efforts should focus on minimizing their ecological impact through targeted research and the development of improved formulations and application techniques during the production phase. In the long term, however, it is imperative to prioritize investments and scientific studies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and applicability of environmentally friendly alternatives. Such a transition is essential for achieving sustainable pest and disease management in the industrial wood production.