Ultrasound as an alternative treatment in wood protection

IRG/WP 23-40973

L Robertson, S M Santos, S Cobacho Arcos , A Navas, M T Troya

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Nickle 1970 is probably the most important nematode of the pine, affecting coniferous forest masses, and that has forced the European Union to take measures to prevent its propagation. In sawmills, wood is currently subjected to heat treatment in accordance with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15 2019). This standard contemplates three types of treatments applied only to packaging wood material (crates, boxes, packing cases, dunnage, pallets, cable drums and spools/reels etc.) which consists of heat treatment or fumigating with methyl bromide or sulfuryl flouride. Ultrasound technology is defined as sound waves with high and low frequency beyond the limit of human hearing. Ultrasonic energy produces acoustic cavitation reactions, and with additional measures such as temperature, pressure, or antimicrobials can achieve a 5-log reduction in pathogen. The aim of this work has been the effect of low frequency ultrasounds as a method to control of Pine Wood Nematode. The results show that low frequency ultrasounds (Hz 50/60, 230V) have an effect on nematode survival both in vitro and in infected wooden specimens.


Keywords: ultrasound, Bursphelenchus xylophilus, Pinus pinaster

Conference: 23-05-28/06-01 Cairns, Australia


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