Experimental test site to prevent maritime pine logs from bluestaining: water-spraying and water-immersion methods

IRG/WP 03-10497

I Le Bayon, H Callot, D Reuling, C Brunet, P Castéra

Following a storm which led to windfall wood, a research project was launched to develop preservation methods with a low environmental impact for maritime pine logs. These preservation methods are intended to be suitable for large-scale storage areas of maritime pine. In addition the aim was to maintain wood quality during long term storage. An experimental field test with 1 900 m3 of maritime pine logs was set up. In order to preserve the logs, water-spraying and water-immersion methods were tested. The impact of these methods on the development of bluestaining fungi and on mechanical properties was assessed. The first results after 8 months showed that whereas most of the untreated logs were bluestained, 73 % to 100 % of water-immersed logs and 94 % to 100 % of water-sprayed logs were preserved with less than 6 % of bluestained area. Moreover, neither preservation method led to a loss of modulus of elasticity or of rupture.


Keywords: Bluestaining fungi, maritime pine, water-spraying, water-immersion, mechanical properties, preservation

Conference: 03-05-18/23 Brisbane, Australia


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