The fumigants chloropicrin (trichloronitromethane) and methylisothiocyanate (MIT) were encapsulated in gelatin as an alternative to liquid fumigant treatments for control of decay fungi in wooden utility poles. Gelatin-encapsulated MIT was stored for over 2 years under dry conditions without significant fumigant leakage. Gelatin encapsulated MIT and chloropicrin were released from capsules when placed in wood above the fiber-saturation point, although capsules were more permeable to MIT than chloropicrin. In field treatments, the addition of small quantities of water along with capsules was sufficient for fumigant release. Encapsulated MIT and chloropicrin treatments effectively reduced decay fungus populations in Douglas-fir utility poles.

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