Decay Control and Increased Permeability in Southern Pine Sprayed with Fluoride Solutions

Surface applications of 3 to 5 percent solutions of ammonium bifluoride and sodium fluoride greatly reduced decay losses in peeled and rough pulpwood of southern pine. Fluoride was more effective than chlorinated phenol and organic mercury solutions, particularly under conditions of slow seasoning of the wood, and when application was delayed as long as a week after bolt cutting. Development of green mold, Trichoderma, was favored on fluoride-treated wood and apparently contributed to control of the decay fungi. Trichoderma also increased the permeability of wood to non-pressure applications of oil preservatives and rain water because of a breakdown of ray cells by the mold. An antibiotic or competitive effect of the mold probably contributed to control of the decay fungi. Findings suggest methods of reducing decay losses in storage of several wood products and help explain why preservative treatments vary in practice and how more uniform and rapid treatments might be obtained.

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