Influence of Various Molds and Seasoning on Vacuum-Light Oil Treatment of Round Red Alder (Alnus Rubra Bong)

Short length pieces from five winter-cut trees less than 6 inches diameter were used. The four fungi were the same as used in a prior study on cold soak treatment and included a Trichoderma species. The vacuum was 25 inches of mercury for 45 minutes in most cases. The ends of the pieces were sealed before the oil treatment. Penetration and absorption from vacuum treatment were much improved by growth of fungi before drying and impregnation, as compared to peeled, non-inoculated pieces stored green. Retentions averaged 9 lbs./cu.ft. and penetrations 0.4 inches or more. There was very little difference between the four fungi. Incubation times of 4 and 6 weeks gave nearly the same results. If roundwood was peeled almost immediately after cutting and then dried, the absorptions with vacuum treatment were about equal to those obtained with fungus growth. Differences between trees was not evident in oil absorption but did exist for some trees in depth of penetration. A modified thermal process with infected wood was not as effective as the vacuum process. Roundwood stored 18 days in the laboratory before peeling and drying yielded low retentions — only slightly better than the cold-soak process, which was the poorest. Light sanding of the dry surface of the stored samples did not improve the poor treatability.

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