Methyl bromide fumigation of freshly felled radiata pine log sections effectively killed living cells in parenchyma to at least 75mm into sapwood. Lumber cut from logs (fumigated and control) stored 1 month outdoors (dry) showed slightly reduced brown stain when kiln dried at conventional temperatures. A more dramatic reduction and elimination of brown stain was noted in lumber cut from fumigated log sections stored for 6 months under water. Brown stain prevention was noted at conventional as well as high temperature kiln drying schedules (up to 120° C). Limited inspection of planed samples did not indicate control of "kiln burn" in the high temperature dried lumber. The mode of action of fumigation in control of brown stain remains to be documented.

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