An Electronic Technique for Detecting Discoloration, Decay, and Injury-Associated Ring Shake in Black Walnut

A new approach for detecting discoloration, decay, and injury-associated ring shakes in black walnut, and other species is described. The technique utilizes an electrical measure of the mobile ion concentration profile within the tree for this purpose. A small hole, 8 to 10 inches deep, is drilled into the tree and then a wire probe is inserted and a pulsed electric current is passed through the wood tissue surrounding the tip of the probe. The changing pattern of resistance readings made at selected intervals from bark to tree interior are indicative of areas of sound wood or wood in various stages of discoloration and decay. Since ring shake has been shown to be injury-caused in many instances, the equipment is also capable of detecting this defect in black walnut when initial discoloration is present in the ring shake zone.

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