Southern pine timbers (15.2 cm x 15.2 cm x 4.26 m) were fumigated at midlength to evaluate the effectiveness of the fumigants chloropicrin, Vapam, Diazomet, Busan 40, Vanicide 51, Vanicide TH, sodium bisulfite, and ethanolamine in eradication of decay fungi. The fumigants were introduced into 2.54 cm holes which were closed immediately with rubber stoppers. Movement and persistence of lethal concentrations of the vapors were monitored using eight important wood-decay fungi as the vapor-sensing agents. Residual fumigant in the timbers was determined by a bioassay with Gloeophyllum trabeum. Chloropicrin was the most effective of the eight fumigants. Diazomet was the second most effective followed closely by Vapam. The remaining fumigants were ineffective in eradication of the fungal cultures. Fumigant toxicity was generally greatest during the first 4 months following treatment. None of the fumigants were particularly effective at 0.61 m and 1.22 m from the base of fumigation. Bioassay of wood removed from the timbers 1 year after treatment showed no residual toxicity to Gloeophyllum trabeum. Fumigant efficacy varied between timbers. Movement and longevity of the fumigants in the southern pine timbers was not as great as that observed previously in Douglas fir timbers.

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