Progress 07/23/07 to 07/23/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project is complete. PARTICIPANTS: This project is complete. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project is complete. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: This project is complete.
Impacts
This project is complete.
Publications
- Clausen, Carol A.; Yang, Vina W. 2011. A rapid colorimetric assay for mold spore germination using XTT tetrazolium salt. IRG/WP ; 11-20462. Stockholm, Sweden : IRG Secretariat, 2011: [11] p.
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Progress 07/23/07 to 07/23/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Wood as a construction material has seen fierce competition from alternative products such as steel and concrete under the auspice that wood will not last as long and, occasionally, because of the misconception that steel and concrete are ⿿greener than wood. Plain language technical information has been published that promotes wood in construction as a means to mitigate climate change and to highlight the environmental benefits of choosing wood for residential and non-residential construction. Educating homeowners with common sense maintenance advice gives them the tools needed to improve home comfort and durability, and to influence their choice of building materials in future construction projects. Up to 80% of commercial wood preservatives contain copper in one form or another to inhibit decay and termite damage. The majority of brown-rot decay fungi can circumvent the effect of copper by production of oxalic acid and precipitation of the copper. The enzymatic activity of major enzymes in the TCA cycle and the GLOX cycle were quantified in order to determine the primary pathway of oxalic acid production in economically important wood decay fungi. Analysis of the peak enzyme activities revealed a never before described pathway using an enzymatic shunt between the two major cycles. Sharply targeted inhibition of this shunt may prevent production of oxalic acid and any tolerance to copper-containing preservatives exhibited by brown-rot fungi saving the taxpayers time and money for replacement of wood decking and lumber treated with copper-based preservatives. A technical report was published that chronicled the history and nomenclature of a notoriously copper-tolerant brown-rot fungus, Fibroporia radiculosa. Novel approaches to the development of environmentally-friendly wood protection systems include antifungal and insecticidal plant extractives. Several durable woods (redwood, western red cedar, and others) are marketed to consumers as alternatives to treated wood. There is a limited understanding of the actual mechanisms of natural durability of wood; however, extractives have been implicated as key factors. The goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of the role of extractives as naturally durable wood (NDW) weathers in the natural environment and how the microbes that drive wood deterioration are impacted. Nine candidate ⿿naturally durable wood species are being evaluated in above ground and laboratory tests to develop recommendations for consumers interested in using durable wood in non-structural applications. DNA extracted from fungi and bacteria colonizing the woods are being analyzed to see if different microorganisms attack different wood species. Chemical analyses are being conducted to determine the different chemical components found in NDW and how those components change during outdoor exposure. A newly published taxonomic key to Coleoptera: Ptinidae describes their distribution and abundance in Wisconsin. It is the first taxonomic key ever published on this economically important pest that infests wood structures and wood products. Termination Report--Genetic analysis combined with enzyme production has pinpointed the pathway of enzymatic activity associated with copper tolerance in an aggressive decay fungus providing new opportunities for biocides targeted at the mechanism of decay. A community-wide termite eradication program utilizing an experimental termiticide developed at FPL has successfully rid a rural Wisconsin community of a chronic termite infestation located beyond the normal range of subterranean termites. A new multi-component biocide was developed and patented that is effective against mold, decay fungi and termites, and safe for indoor use on structural building components. PARTICIPANTS: Department of Housing and Urban Development Oakridge National Laboratory Department of Energy National Institute of Standards and Technology Bureau of Land Management Federal Highway Administration National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration ARS Southern Regional Research Center Natural Resources Conservation Service Northeast Lumberman⿿s Association American Plywood Association Western Wood Preservers' Institute Western Wood Products Association Composite Panel Association American Wood Protection Association Southern Forest Products Association National Institute for Standards and Testing Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association Canadian Wood Council Forest Products Society ISO Technical Committee TC 92 ASTM International American Forest & Paper Association American Wood Council Coalition for Advanced Wood Structures International Union of Forest Research Organizations National Association of Home Builders Research Center National and International Universities and Research Institutions TARGET AUDIENCES: Consumers, contractors, Government agencies, universities, industry, and standards associations
Impacts
Wood is vulnerable to biodeteriorating fungi and insects under certain conditions of storage and use. Targeted protection systems are needed to replace the broad spectrum biocides traditionally used to inhibit decay fungi. Understanding the mechanism of natural durability in underutilized and invasive wood species may create new marketable commodities while improving the health of our National forests. Economic losses resulting from damage to wood products by insect pests, such as subterranean termites are projected to grow as changes in climate have resulted in increased termite infestations outside their normal habitat. The need exists for low-toxicity remedial in-place treatments for in-service wood products.
Publications
- Arango, Rachel A.; Young, Daniel K. 2012. Death-watch and spider beetles of Wisconsin⿿Coleoptera: Ptinidae. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-209,.
- Clausen, Carol A.; Glass, Samuel V. 2012. Build Green: Wood can last for centuries. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-215, 2012.
- Clausen, Carol A.; Jenkins, Katie M. 2011. Chronicles of Fibroporia radiculosa (= Antrodia radiculosa) TFFH 294. General technical report FPL-GTR-204. Madison, WI : U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, 2011: 5 p.
- Clausen, Carol A.; Yang, Vina W. 2011. Leach and mold resistance of essential oil metabolites. In: Proceedings, one hundred seventh annual meeting of the American Wood Protection Association, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 2011 May 15-17: Volume 107. Birmingham, AL: American Wood Protection Association, c2011: p. 121-127.
- Jenkins, K.M.; Diehl, S.V.; Clausen, C.A.; Green, F. 2011. Enzymatic mechanism of oxalate production in the TCA and glyoxylate pathways using various isolates of Antrodia radiculosa. In: Proceedings, one hundred seventh annual meeting of the American Wood Protection Association, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 2011 May 15-17: Volume 107. Birmingham, AL: American Wood Protection Association, c2011: p. 108-113.
- Kartal, S. Nami; Terzi, Evren; Yoshimura, Tsuyoshi; Arango, Rachel; Clausen, Carol A.; Green III, Frederick. 2012. Preliminary evaluation of storax and its constituents: Fungal decay mold and termite resistance. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 70: 47-54.
- Kirker, Grant; Glaeser, Jessie. 2011. Salt damage to wood--"fuzzy wood" often confused with fungal decay. PileDriver, Q3, pp.85-86.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Novel approaches to environmentally-friendly wood protection systems are needed. Herbaceous plant essential oils and wood extractives from durable wood species are being evaluated for wood protection properties; some specific plant essential oils are very effective against mold fungi and termites. Two synergistic multi-component biocides were developed utilizing fatty acid chemistry and a patented formulation based on borates and azoles. The patented formulation, called Durazol, inhibits decay fungi, mold growth, and termite damage. To address the need for accelerated laboratory screening methods, a rapid colorimetric assay was introduced to evaluate the effectiveness of biocides at inhibiting mold spore germination. The new method reduces testing from 4 weeks to 2 days. An invited presentation on the use of nanotechnology for increased durability of wood composites discussed research progress on anti-microbial properties of nano-metals, encapsulation of biocides with nano-polymers, and slow-release nano-delivery systems for biocides. Successes in each technology could have a significant impact on the forest products industry. Understanding the mechanism of decay assists in the development of new wood protection systems that address preservative tolerances observed in many decay fungi. Small molecular weight non-enzymatic compounds have been linked to early stages of wood decay. In a study on chemical mediated depolymerization of cotton cellulose, oxalic acid showed significant deploymerization of cotton cellulose, an iron chelator, promoted depolymerization in combination with iron and hydrogen peroxide, but the chelator inhibited the effect of oxalic acid on cellulose in the absence of iron and hydrogen peroxide. Some degree of copper tolerance is frequently noted in brown-rot fungi, and it is a cause of concern when copper is a component in a majority of wood preservative treatments. Studies are underway to genetically determine the mechanism of copper tolerance in an attempt to circumvent decay of treated wood by copper tolerant fungi. Field trials were designed to evaluate the ability of an experimental wood preservative named NHA to inhibit fungal decay and termite damage at an outdoor test site in Mississippi. NHA had modest capacity to prevent fungal and termite damage, but the protective effect diminished after 5 years in ground contact. In a laboratory test to determine if NHA stimulated feeding, it was shown that, as the concentration of the chemical increased, feeding on treated wood decreased, but addition of untreated wood as an optional food choice nullified the high toxicity of NHA to the termites.
Impacts
Wood is vulnerable to biodeteriorating fungi and insects under certain conditions of storage and use. Targeted protection systems are needed to replace the broad spectrum biocides traditionally used to inhibit decay fungi. Mold growth and its impact on indoor air quality have become an increasingly problematic housing issue. While there is no substitute for moisture management in a structure, environmentally benign fungal and insect inhibitors for treatment of dimension lumber or engineered composites need to be developed. Economic losses resulting from damage to wood products by insect pests, such as subterranean termites, are projected to grow. The need exists for low-toxicity remedial in-place treatments for in-service wood products.
Publications
- Clausen, Carol A.; Coleman, Robert D.; Yang, Vina W. 2010. Fatty acid-based formulations for wood protection against mold and sapstain. Forest Products Journal 60(3): 301-304.
- Clausen, Carol; Green, Frederick 2011. Wood protection in the 21st century. [Abstract]. In: 64th international convention of the forest products society. 2010 June 20-22. Madison, WI: 51.
- Clausen, Carol; Kartal, Nami S.; Arango, Rachel; Green, Frederick 2011. The role of particle size of particulate nano-zinc oxide wood preservatives on termite mortality and leach resistance. Nanoscale Research Letters 6: 427.
- Clausen, Carol; Yang, Vina 2011. A rapid colorimetric assay for mold spore germination using XTT tegrazolium salt. In: 42d annual meeting of the International Research Group on wood protection. 2011 May 8-12. Queenstown, New Zealand. Stockholm, Sweden: IRG Secretariat, 2011: 11 p. IRG/WP 11-20462.
- Clausen, Carol; Yang, Vina; West, Michael H.; West, Erlene 2011. Multi-component biocide composition for wood protection. U.S. patent No. 7,858,125 B2. 15 p.
- Coleman, R.D.; Clausen, Carol 2011. Multifactorial antimicrobial wood protectants. In: International Research Group on wood protection. IRG/WP 08-30484. 10 p.
- Coleman, Robert; Yang, Vina; Woodward, Bessie; Lebow, Patti; Clausen, Carol 2010. Efficacy of fatty acid chemistry: Candidate mold and decay fungicides. In: Proceedings, one hundred sixth annual meeting of the American Wood Protection Association. Savannah, GA, 2010 May 23-25: vol. 106. Birmingham, AL: American Wood Protection Association, c2010: 287-297.
- Eller, F. J.;Clausen, Carol; Green, Frederick; Taylor, S.L. 2011. Critical fluid extraction of Juniperus virginiana L. and bioactivity of extracts against subterranean termites and wood-rot fungi. Industrial Crops and Products 32: 481-485.
- Green, Frederick; Arango, Rachel; Esenther, Glenn 2011. Termites as invasive species in Wisconsin. [Abstract]. In: 64th international convention of the Forest Products Society. 2010 June 20-22. Madison, WI: Forest Products Society. p. 57.
- Green, Frederick; Kartal, S. Nami; Lebow, Patricia K.; Arango, Rachel A. 2011. NHA choice test: Feeding dilemma for Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). IRG/WP; 11-10746. Stockholm, Sweden: IRG Secretariat, 2011: 10.
- Lebow, Patricia K.; Carll, Charles G. 2010. Investigation of shift in decay hazard (Scheffer) index values over the period 1969-2008 in the conterminous United States. In: Proceedings, one hundred sixth annual meeting of the American Wood Protection Association, Savannah, GA; 2010 May 23-25: vol.106. Birmingham, AL: American Wood Protection Association, c2010: 118-125.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A chapter entitled Biodeterioration was written for the Centennial edition of the Wood Handbook. New approaches to wood protection emphasize 1) heavy-metal free technologies, such as biocides targeted to physiochemical processes, essential oils, or fatty acid chemistry, 2) synergistic biocide combinations, 3) nanotechnology, including nanocarriers and nanometals, and 4) naturally durable wood species, both underutilized and invasive species. Last year, herbaceous plant essential oils were reported to demonstrate antifungal and insecticidal properties. To expand on that finding, individual purified metabolites of those oils were evaluated to determine which compounds were bioactive. Several metabolites were highly effective (e.g., carvone, geraniol, cironellol, thymol, and borneol), some were synergistic, and a few were ineffective against fungi that inhabit wood. The feasibility of nano-Zn oxide as a wood preservative was evaluated. Nano ZnO was shown to be leach-resistant, termite-resistant, and acts as a photostabilizer. Nano Zn also inhibited termite feeding and caused moderate termite mortality. Understanding the mechanism of decay assists in the development of new wood protection systems that address preservative tolerances observed in many decay fungi. Small molecular weight non-enzymatic compounds have been linked to early stages of wood decay. In a study on chemical mediated depolymerization of cotton cellulose, the combination of hydrogen peroxide and iron caused marked lowering of the degree of polymerization in the cotton cellulose after treatment. Some degree of copper tolerance is frequently noted in brown-rot fungi, and it is a cause of concern when copper is a component of so many wood preservative treatments. Studies are underway to genetically determine the mechanism of copper tolerance. Termite research continues to be an emphasis area with Problem 4. A second international patent has been issued for the addition of NHA to termite bait stations as a feeding stimulant. Researchers were invited to co-author A dynamic invasive species research vision-opportunities and priorities 2009-29. This document looks at damage caused by invasive species such as termites and the dramatic effect they can have on the environment and the economy. It recognizes that the Forest Service R&D is poised to play a leadership role in prediction and prevention for limiting dispersal of soil-invasive species. Parallel strategies were designed to eliminate termites from a field site, and a simulated field test setup in the laboratory using combinations of commercial and experimental termite baits. Observations indicated notable characteristics of a colony on the verge of collapse in one or both test designs. Shortly after these events occurred, the colony was eliminated.
Impacts
Wood is vulnerable to biodeteriorating fungi and insects under certain conditions of storage and use. Targeted protection systems are needed to replace the broad spectrum biocides traditionally used to inhibit decay fungi. Mold fungi do not degrade wood per se; however, mold growth and its impact on indoor air quality have become an increasingly problematic housing issue. While there is no substitute for moisture management in a structure, environmentally benign mold inhibitors for treatment of dimension lumber or engineered composites need to be developed. Economic losses resulting from damage to wood products by insect pests, such as subterranean termites and powder post beetles, are projected to grow. The need exists for low-toxicity remedial in-place treatments for insect infestations for in-service wood products.
Publications
- Tang, Juliet; Jenkins, Katie; Parker, Leslie; Diehl, Susan V. 2010. Towards understanding the biology of wood decay. In: 41st annual meeting of the international research group on wood protection. 2010 Marcy 9-13. Biarritz, France. Stockholm, Sweden: IRG Secretariat, 2010: 5 p. IRG/WPIRG/WP 10-10739.
- Unsal, Oner; Kartal, S. Nami; Candan, Zeki; Arango, Rachel; Clausen, Carol; Green, Frederick 2009. Decay and termite resistance, water absorption and swelling of thermally compressed wood panels. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 63: 548-552.
- Clausen, Carol 2010. Biodeterioration of wood. In: Wood Handbook: Wood as an engineering material. Gen. Tech. Rept. FPL-GTR-190. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. Chapter 14. 16 p.
- Clausen, Carol A.; Woodward, Bessie M.; Yang, Vina W. 2010. Antifungal essential oil metabolites. In: 41st annual meeting of the international research group on wood protection. 2010 May 9-13. Biarritz, France. Stockholm, Sweden: IRG Secretariat, 2010: 9 p. IRG/WP 10-30531.
- Clausen, Carol A.; Green, Frederick. 2010. New approaches to wood protection. In: 2009 wood and fiber product seminar: VTT and USDA joint activity. 2009 September 22-23. VTT symposium; 263. Helsinki, Finland: VTT, c2010: p.121-127. ISBN: 9789513875893 (soft back ed.): 951387589X (soft back ed.): 9789513875909 (electronic ed.): 9513875903 (electronic ed.)
- Clausen, Carol A.; Yang, Vina W.; Arango, Rachel A.; Green, Frederick. 2009. Feasibility of nanozinc oxide as a wood preservative. Proceedings, 105th annual meeting of the American Wood Protection Association, San Antonio, TX. 2009 April 19-21. Birmingham, AL: American Wood Protection Association. 105: 255-260.
- Green, Frederick; Arango, Rachel A.; Esenther, Glenn R. 2010. Observations on colony collapse in Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) in laboratory and field settings in Wisconsin. In: 41st annual meeting of the international research group on wood protection: 2010 May 9-13: Biarritz, France. Stockholm, Sweden: The Secretariat: 12 p. IRG/WP 10-10709.
- Green, III, F.; Morales-Ramos, J.A.; Rojas, M.G. 2008. Naphthalene compounds as toxic bait for termites. Mexican patent #MX253,253. 16 p.
- Hastrup, Anne Christine Steenkjaer; Jensen, Bo; Green, Frederick. 2010. Chemical mediated depolymerization of cotton cellulose for the understanding of non-enzymatic fungal decay. In: 41st annual meeting of the international research group on wood protection. 2010 May 9-13. Biarritz, France. Stockholm, Sweden: IRG Secretariat, 2010: 12 p. IRG/WP 10-10731. .
- Lilleskov, Erik; Callaham, Jr. Mac A.; Pouyat, Richard; Smith, Jane E.; Castellano, Michael; Gonzalez, Grizelle; Lodge, D. Jean; Arango, Rachel; Green, Frederick. 2010. Invasive soil organisms and their effects on belowground processes. Pages 67-83 in: Dix, M. E.; Britton, K., eds., A dynamic invasive species research vision: opportunities and priorities 2009-29.Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-79. Washington, DC (?): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Developing environmentally-friendly wood protection systems with "green" technologies is being investigated from several approaches. Certain herbaceous plant essential oils were reported to demonstrate antifungal and insecticidal properties. Nanotechnology has the potential to affect the wood preservation industry through the creation of new and unique metal biocides with improved properties. The nano-form of metals commonly utilized by the wood preservation industry were evaluated for leachability and efficacy against decay fungi and termites. Most notable, nano-Zn oxide and nano-Cu oxide were leach resistant. Nano Zn also inhibited termite feeding and cause moderate termite mortality. A novel nanotechnology called sol-gel deposition is based on surface modification of wood to help lower the rate of moisture sorption of the wood. Hybrid inorganic/organic thin films deposited on wood were shown to resist moisture sorption and inhibit growth of a mold and decay fungi. Understanding the mechanism of decay assists in the development of new wood protection systems that address preservative tolerances observed in many decay fungi. Oxalic acid is produced in measurable amounts by most brown-rot fungi and is known to be a metabolic byproduct of the decay process. The correlation between oxalic acid production and tolerance of a specific genus of brown-rot fungi to a new wood preservative, N',N-naphthaloylhydroxylamine (NHA) was investigated. High oxalic acid production alone does not seem to be the sole mechanism of NHA tolerance observed for this fungus. Oxalic acid appears to be nonspecifically produced in response to the preservative treatment, yet its association with mass loss has not yet been clearly defined. NHA is also known to cause termite mortality and, in low doses, to act as a feeding stimulant. An international patent was issued for the addition of NHA to termite bait stations as a feeding stimulant. In a research study that dusted subterranean termites for "trap-treat and release," termites that were lured to bait stations containing termiticides and served as a vector to carry the treatment back to the next, effectively reducing the colony. Little is known outside the urban environment about the distribution of Anobiidae, a widely distributed beetle family that includes a number of economically significant species associated with storage of woody materials. A state-wide survey of Wisconsin Anobiidae described 2063 specimens resulting in the creation of a key to the members of this family including the discovery of a new species, Ernobius youngi Arango.
Impacts
An important limitation to the usefulness of wood, and a prime cause of user dissatisfaction, is its vulnerability to biodeteriorating fungi and insects under certain conditions of storage and use. Targeted protection systems are needed to replace the broad spectrum biocides traditionally used to inhibit decay fungi. Despite the fact that mold fungi do not degrade wood per se, mold growth and its impact on indoor air quality have become an increasingly problematic housing issue. Airborne spores can cause health problems in human occupants and their presence is indicative of elevated moisture. While there is no substitute for moisture management in a structure, environmentally benign moldicides for surface treatment of dimension lumber or for incorporation into engineered composites need to be developed. Economic losses resulting from damage to wood products by insect pests, such as subterranean termites and powder post beetles are projected to grow. The need exists for low-toxicity remedial in-place treatments for insect infestations for in-service wood products.
Publications
- Arango, R.A. 2009. A survey of the death-watch and spider beetles of Wisconsin (Coleoptera: Ptinidae). Masters Thesis, University of Wisconsin-Madison. 419 p.
- Arango, Rachel A. 2009. A new species of nearctic Ernobius Thompson (Coleoptera: Ptinidale: Ernobiinae) from Wisconsin. The Coleopterists Bulletin 63(3): 353-356.
- Arango, Rachel A.; Lebow, Patricia K.; Green, Frederick III. 2009. Correlation between oxalic acid production and tolerance of Tyromyces palustris strain TYP-6137 to N',N-naphthaloylhydroxamine. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 63: 46-51.
- Arango, Rachel Ann. 2008. Distribution and relative abundance of economically important Anobiidae (Coleoptera) in Wisconsin forests and structures. In: Proceedings, 2008 ESA annual meeting, 2008 November 16-19. San Diego, CA. http://confex.com/esa/2008/techprogram/paper_37493.htm.
- Clausen, Carol A.; Yang, Vina W. 2008. Fumigant toxicity of essential oils to Reticulitermes flavipes. Proceedings, 104th annual meeting of the american wood protection association. 2008 May 18-20: Portland, OR 104. Birmingham, AL: American Wood Protection Association, c2008: 49-54.
- Kartal, S. N.; Green, Frederick III; Clausen, Carol A. 2009. Do the unique properties of nanometals affect leachability or efficacy against fungi and termites? International biodeterioration & biodegradation 63: 490-495.
- Rojas, Maria Guadalupe; Morales-Ramos, Juan A.; Green, Frederick III. 2009. Naphthalenic compounds as termite bait toxicants. Canadian patent 2,484,126. 14 p.
- Tshabalala, Mandla A.; Yang, Vina; Libert, Ryan. 2009. Surface modification of wood by alkoxysilane sol-gel deposition to create anti-mold and anti-fungal characteristics. Silanes and Other Coupling Agents. 5: 135-147.
- Yang, V. W.; Clausen, C.A. 2009. Improved durability of engineered wood composites against biodegrading agents [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 43rd international wood composites symposium. 2009 March 31: Seattle, WA. p. 27.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Oxalate from partially decayed southern yellow pine was analyzed by HPLC or colorimetric assay. Extraction efficiency based on specimen configuration and extraction method based on pH solubility was also assessed. Results demonstrated similarities in common test methods used for reporting oxalic acid production in decayed wood. New findings were published on environmentally friendly biocides. The inhibitory effect of plant essential oils on growth of decay and mold fungi and mold on wood were published in the American Wood Protection Association Proceedings. Certain essential oils were very effective at inhibiting brown-rot, white-rot, and mold fungi tested in this study and show potential as fumigants or surface treatments of wood products. A multi-component synergistic biocide was developed that incorporates some known antimicrobials and insecticides. This formulation is capable of protecting wood against mold fungi, decay fungi, and termites at lower concentrations than any of its individual components alone. In a research study that dusted subterranean termites for "trap-treat and release" in Endeavor and Janesville, WI, termites that were lured to bait stations containing termiticides served as a vector to carry the treatment back to the nest, effectively exterminating the colony. Thermally compressed pine panels were evaluated for decay and termite resistance. The thermal process increased the panel density and decreased the thickness. While thermally compressed pine panels were not resistant to decay fungi, as processing pressure and temperature increased, mass losses from termite feeding generally decreased.
Impacts
An important limitation to the usefulness of wood, and a prime cause of user dissatisfaction, is its vulnerability to biodeteriorating fungi and insects under certain conditions of storage and use. Targeted protection systems are needed to replace the broad spectrum biocides traditionally used to inhibit decay fungi. Despite the fact that mold fungi do not degrade wood per se, mold growth and its impact on indoor air quality have become an increasingly problematic housing issue. Airborne spores can cause health problems in human occupants and their presence is indicative of elevated moisture. While there is no substitute for moisture management in a structure, environmentally benign moldicides for surface treatment of dimension lumber or for incorporation into engineered composites need to be developed. Economic losses resulting from damage to wood products by insect pests, such as subterranean termites are projected to grow. The need exists for low-toxicity, remedial in-place treatments for insect infestations for in-service wood products.
Publications
- Yang, V.W.; Clausen, C.A. 2008. Antifungal activity of herbaceous essential oils protects wood from mold and decay fungi [Abstract]. In: 236th national american chemical society meeting and exposition: 2008 August 17-21: Philadelphia, PA: 92.
- Green, Frederick; Arango, Rachel A.; Esenther, Glenn R. 2008. Transfer of termiticidal dust compounds and their effects on symbiotic protozoa of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). IRG/WP ; 08-10661. Stockholm, Sweden : IRG Secretariat, 2008: 9 pages
- Unsal, Oner; Kartal, S. Nami; Candan, Zeki; Arango, Rachel; Clausen, Carol A.; Green, Frederick 2008. Preliminary investigation of biological resistance, water absorption and swelling of thermally compressed pine wood panels. IRG/WP ; 08-40396. Stockholm, Sweden : IRG Secretariat, 2008: 11 pages
- Clausen, C.A.; Kenealy, W.; Lebow, P.K. 2008. Oxalate analysis methodology for decay wood. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 62: 372-375.
- Yang, V.W.; Clausen, C.A. 2008. Inhibitory effect of essential oils on decay fungi and mold growth on wood. In: 103rd annual meeting of the american wood protection association, 2007 May 6-8: St. Louis, MO 103: 62-70.
- Clausen, C.A.; Yang, V.W. 2008. Multi-component biocide protects wood from fungi and insects in UC2 applications. In: 103rd annual meeting of the american wood protection association, 2007 May 6-8: St. Louis, MO 103: 31-35.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
The relationship between test conditions and initiation of decay was evaluated in an aboveground test. Two wood types in two test unit configurations were exposed to shaded conditions and evaluated by three test methods for signs of decay over 120 weeks. Results showed that an immunodiagnostic test was a rapid indicator of decay, decay was detected earlier in lap-joint test units than in L-joint test unit configuration, and decay was detected in hardwood specimens earlier than in softwood specimens. Genetic analysis of fungal isolates revealed that one species of decay fungus, Irpex lacteus, was the predominant basidiomycete cultured from test specimens. A collaborative study with University of Denmark tested the influence of calcium on the decay rate of copper-treated wood by copper tolerant decay fungi. Results demonstrated that decay was significantly inhibited by treatment with calcium ions in the presence of copper-treated wood, but calcium showed no effect on the
decay fungi in untreated wood. The anti-fungal effect of essential oils for surface or fumigant treatment to protect wood against mold fungi was published and submitted to the USPTO. Likewise, documentation on a multi-component biocide capable of protecting wood against mold fungi, decay fungi and termites was submitted to the USPTO. Results of an evaluation of commercial formulations of colloidal, ionic and nano particles of copper, zinc or silver revealed that 20 nanometer particles of zinc oxide protected pine wood from Eastern subterranean termite attack in laboratory tests and simultaneously resulted in 75% mortality. A paper was published on climatic limitations believed to be responsible for changes observed in developmental differentiation and colony development in Eastern subterranean termites in Wisconsin. Monitoring colony adaptation to climate change in areas where termites have been introduced is important for mitigation of infestations found in similar climates across
the United States. In a related study on termite eradication in Wisconsin, placement of in-ground bait stations were used to define the spatial distribution of the colony in order to develop an eradication program.
Impacts
An important limitation to the usefulness of wood, and a prime cause of user dissatisfaction, is its vulnerability to biodeteriorating fungi and insects under certain conditions of storage and use. Targeted protection systems are needed to replace the broad spectrum biocides traditionally used to inhibit decay fungi. Despite the fact that mold fungi do not degrade wood per se, mold growth and its impact on indoor air quality have become an increasingly problematic housing issue. Airborne spores can cause health problems in human occupants and their presence is indicative of elevated moisture. While there is no substitute for moisture management in a structure, environmentally benign moldicides for surface treatment of dimension lumber or for incorporation into engineered composites need to be developed. Economic losses resulting from damage to wood products by insect pests, such as subterranean termites and Anobiid powderpost beetles, are projected to grow. The need
exists for low-toxicity remedial in-place treatments for insect infestations for in-service wood products.
Publications
- Green, F.; Arango, R.A. 2007. Wood protection by commercial silver formulations against eastern subterranean termites. In: 38th annual meeting of the international research group on wood protection; 2007 May 20-24: Jackson Hole, WY. Doc IRG/WP 07-30422. Stockholm, Sweden: IRG Secretarial: 15 p.
- Arango, R.A.; Green, F. III; Esenther, G.R. 2007. Seasonal response of feeding, differentiation and growth in the eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) in Wisconsin. In: 38th annual meeting of the international research group on wood protection; 2007 May 20-24: Jackson Hole, WY. Doc. IRG/WP 07-10604. Stockholm, Sweden: IRG Secretarial: 10 pp.
- Arango, R.A.; Green, F. III. 2007. Feasibility study for elimination of Reticulitermes flavipes from Endeavor, WI. In: Proceedings, Wood protection 2006, Barnes, H. Michael, ed.; 2006 March 21-23; New Orleans, LA. Forest Products Society: Madison, WI: 363-366
- Green, F. 2006. Efficacy of copper-based preservatives toward copper-tolerant wood decay fungi. In: USDA Forest Service Research & Development 2005 Highlights, FS-860, July: 39-40.
- Hastrup, A.c.S.; Jensen, B.; Clausen, C.A.; Green, F. III. 2006. The effect of CaCl2 on growth rate, wood decay, and oxalic acid accumulation in Serpula lacrymans and related brown-rot fungi. Holzforschung 60: 339-345.
- Yang, V.W.; Clausen, C.A. 2007. Antifungal effect of essential oils on southern yellow pine. International Biodeterioration & Biodegraedation 59: 302-306.
- Kretschmann, D.; Winandy, J.; Clausen, C.; Wiemann, M.; Bergman, R.; Rowell, R.; Zerbe, J.; Beecher, J.; White, R.; McKeever, D.; Howard, J. 2007. Wood. In: Wiley Intersciences, Kirk-Othmer-Encyclopedia of Chemical technology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: 59 p.
- Clausen, C.A.; Highley, T.L.; Czederpiltza, D.I.I. 2007. Accelerated decay detection in aboveground lap-joints and L-joints in decay hazard zone 2 [Abstract]. In: Proceedings, Wood Protection 2006, Barnes, H. Michael, ed.; 2006 March 21-23; New Orleans, LA. Forest Products Society: Madison, WI: 383.
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