Efficacy of commercial wood preservatives against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a quarantine organism in Europe

IRG/WP 14-30638

C S Arcos, A Navas, L Robertson, M T Troya, M Conde, F Llinares

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer 1934) Nickle, 1970, pine wilt nematode (PWN), 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. Since the nematode was detected in Europe, 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 treated with specific products against wood decay organisms, and now, additionally it has been submitted to thermo-treatment through ISPM 15 to control the PWN. In this sense, the industrial sector is concerned whether if the adopted thermal treatment is enough and if the wood treatments are effective against the nematode. For this reason, the objective of this work has been to evaluate the efficacy against B. xylophilus, of the most frequently anti blue-stain products in green wood in four of pine species (Pinus sylvestris, P. pinaster, P. radiata and P. nigra). The results shows that all the wood products tested are effective against PWN in the green sound wood, but they donĀ“t present the same protective behavior with the stained wood. In consequence, timber protected with commercialized wood preservatives will be the best way to warrant a good control of PWN in sawmills, and in some situations may prevent the application of NIMF-15.


Keywords: Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, biocides, wood, timber protection

Conference: 14-05-11/15 St George, Utah, USA


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