Two laboratory methods for screening of anti-sapstain formulations were compared. The method adopted by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) involved 3 weeks assessment of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) blocks, dipped in the candidate formulation and inoculated with mycelial/spore suspension of sapstain (Botryodiplodia theobromae) or decay (Schizophyllum commune) fungi, and incubated on moistened filter paper in sterile glass Petri plates. The Forest Research disc trial method assessed similarly treated radiata pine (Pinus radiata) branchwood discs inoculated with mycelial/spore suspension of sapstain (blended cultures of Shaeropsis sapinea, Alternaria sp. and Ophiostoma piliferum) or decay (S. commune) fungi, resting on toast racks in covered humidified sterile containers for 2 weeks. Five candidate formulations available in New Zealand, and sodium pentachlorophenate of common use in Malaysia, were screened using two slightly different rating methods both assessing percentage of fungal growth on infected wood. The results indicated no difference between rating criteria used, but revealed differences in the efficacy of a selection of these formulations between the test methods.

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