The pine wilt nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer 1934) Nickle, 1970 is a quarantine organism with a high potential to damage Conifer forests in Europe. This has driven the European Union to protect forest stands from the propagation and dispersion of this pathogen.The nematode was first detected in Europe in Setubal (Portugal) in 1999 and eradication measures were taken. However, these measures were unsuccessful in decreasing the infection level, leading to the announcement of new European regulations (2006/133/CE, Commission on 13 February 2006). The new regulations have not prevented the dispersion of this organism, as Bursaphelenchus xylophilus has been detected in wood material through commercial trade. Timber is a material with a free market in Europe, and although it is treated with specific products against wood decay organisms, the industrial sector is concerned whether the adopted thermal treatment measures used to treat wood (ISPM 15), is enough and if the wood treatments are effective against the nematode. For this reason, the aim of this work has been to continue with the evaluation of the effectiveness of more successful and commercial active ingredients in the formulations of wood preservatives currently used for the temporary and permanently protection of timber, in order to see if these products have a biocidal effect against this quarantine organism.

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