Influence of the moon phase on durability against wood decay fungi of Larix kaempferi and Pseudotsuga menziesii wood species

IRG/WP 15-10836

M T Troya, M Conde, M J Barriola, F Llinares, V Dorronsoro

The analysis of the natural durability of wood is essential when establishing the level of protection required, depending on the designated end use of timber. On the other hand, there is a popular belief based on the influence of the moon phase in felling timber, recommending the waning moon as the optimum for felling trees. In fact, some companies now offer among their products, sawn timber felled in the proper moon phase (moon wood).The aim of this work was to study the possible influence of felling during the waxing and waning moon phases, on the durability of Larix kaempferi (Lam.) Carr. and Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, (wood destined for structural use) against the wood decay fungi Basidiomycetes (Coniophora puteana (Schumacher ex Fries) Karsten and Postia placenta (Fries) sensu Cooke J. Eriksson). Durability is established using weight loss standardized assays using sapwood and heartwood of each species, cut during both lunar phases. The results show that neither species is durable against the fungi studied, however, significant differences between the two phases are observed. This study corroborates many traditional beliefs within the wood sector


Keywords: moon phase, Larix kaempferi, Pseudotsuga menziesii, wood durability

Conference: 15-05-10/14 Vina del Mar, Chile


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