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Performance of Internal Remedial Treatments on Douglas-Fir Poles: A Large-Scale Field Trial
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Performance of Internal Remedial Treatments on Douglas-Fir Poles: A Large-Scale Field Trial

Matthew J Konkler, Jed Cappellazzi, Connie S Love, Camille Freitag and Jeffrey J Morrell
Forest Products Journal, Vol.69(4), pp.289-304
2019
url
https://doi.org/10.13073/FPJ-D-19-00030View
Published Version

Abstract

Internal decay is a common problem in poles or timbers of thin sapwood species. Several internal treatments have been developed to arrest this attack, and these systems are widely used in North America. Although these treatments have been evaluated in numerous independent field trials, there is no single test of all treatments. The objective of this study was to assess the chemical distribution and fungal colonization in Douglas-fir poles treated with each of 13 different internal remedial treatments over a 10-year period. Metam sodium treatments provided the shortest protective period, with little evidence of residual chemical 3 years after treatment. Methylisothiocyanate (MITC) in pure form provided a very high initial flush of active ingredient and a longer protective period extending from 5 to 8 years after treatment. Dazomet, which must decompose to produce MITC, took slightly longer to reach effective levels, but was still present at effective levels 10 years after treatment. Chloropicrin, which has strong interactions with wood, was associated with the highest chemical levels after 10 years. Borates took longer to reach effective levels in the poles and their protective zone was narrower than the fumigants, but boron was still present at effective levels 10 years after application. The results illustrate the different properties provided by each treatment, but also show that all tested remedial treatments were effective within certain limitations.

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Domestic collaboration
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Web Of Science research areas
Forestry
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
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