Performance of gelatin-encapsulated methylisothiocyanate in Douglas-fir poles

The ability of gelatin-encapsulated methylisothiocyanate (MITC) to eliminate Basidiomycetes and prevent reinfestation by these fungi was evaluated in Douglas-fir poles treated with pentachlorophenol or chromated copper arsenate. The poles had been in service for 9 to 15 years and contained active Basidiomycete colonies. Fumigant treatment resulted in rapid elimination of decay fungi with nearly complete elimination 2 years after fumigant application. Extra water, added at the time of application to accelerate gelatin breakdown, appeared to provide a slight improvement in fungal control after 1 year, but when sampling was prolonged, this effect was negligible. Gelatin encapsulation provides a highly effective method for safely containing MITC prior to application and does not appear to adversely affect fumigant performance.

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