Basidiomycete colonization of Douglas-fir poles after polyborate treatments

A variety of Basidiomycetes colonize air-seasoning Douglas-fir poles, and their presence raises concerns about the potential survival of decay fungi throughout the treatment process. We investigated the ability of polyborates to limit this colonization by applying disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (polyborate) with dip or spray treatments. Initial dipping in high concentrations of polyborate (20% boric-acid-equivalent (BAE) solution) or spraying at 6-month intervals with 10 percent BAE solution was most effective at limiting Basidiomycete colonization, although none of the treatments were completely effective. The labor required to spray poles and the risk of continued contamination of the air-seasoning yard during spraying suggest that dipping immediately after peeling may be a more practical treatment for limiting the fungal colonization of air-seasoning Douglas-fir poles.

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