European spruce logs were pre-treated with either Phanaerochete chrysosporium, Dichomitus squalens, Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma aureoviride for incubation periods of between 1-4 weeks prior to pressure treatment with creosote in a commercial treatment plant and analysed for strength and creosote uptake (see part II Tucker et al.). A method to pre-treat logs was optimised. The pole sections were surface sterilised, inoculated with a spore suspension or blended fungal mycelium and supplemented with a nutrient solution. The colonisation of the logs was investigated by light microscopy, SEM and by an ergosterol method, quantifying the fungal biomass in the wood. The assays indicated a rapid and even colonisation of the wood down to the heartwood within a period of approximately 1 week. Dichomilus squalens was also seen to colonise the heartwood. The microscopic and quantitative assays correlated well and reflected the depth of penetration of creosote on subsequent treatment. SEM observations showed that the increased permeability is due to an enzymatic opening of the pit membranes rather than physical penetration of the pits by fungal hyphae.

Download document (772 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document