Bioprotection against stain fungi has tremendous potential for reducing discoloration of freshly sawn wood while decreasing chemical consumption. Unfortunately, most bioprotectants appear to be unable to consistently perform under the array of conditions to which freshly sawn wood is exposed. While research is underway to understand the nature of the inconsistent performance, a more pragmatic approach to solving this problem is to alter the environment to more consistently favor the bioprotectant. One method for accomplishing this task is to apply low levels of biocides at the same time as the bioprotectant is applied. The biocide, although used below the threshold tor preventing fungal growth, should render the stain fungi less fit and, therefore, more susceptible to control. In this report, we evaluated the effect of 3 commonly used fungicide mixtures on the ability of B. subtilis to inhibit discoloration by a mixture of Ophiostoma perfectum, Phialphora spp., and Alternaria alternata on Pinus ponderosa sapwood under laboratory conditions. Bacillus subtilis provided poor control of discoloration. The addition of fungicide produced no enhancement of bioprotection. Evaluation of bacterial cultures containing this fungicide indicated that the chemicals had a profound effect on bacterial filters.

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