Methylisothiocyanate Fumigant Content of Douglas-Fir Heartwood at Various Moisture Levels After Treatment With Solid Sodium N-Methyldithiocarbamate

Authors

  • S. T. Lebow
  • J. J. Morrell

Keywords:

Sodium n-methyldithiocarbamate, methylisothiocyanate, moisture content, decomposition, fumigants, Douglas-fir heartwood

Abstract

The relationship between moisture content and the presence of methylisothiocyanate (MITC) in wood following various applications of sodium n-methyldithiocarbamate (NaMDC) was investigated with small Douglas-fir heartwood blocks. While MITC levels were initially higher in wetter blocks, MITC levels in drier blocks remained more stable over the 8-week test period. The addition of water as well as NaMDC to blocks enhanced MITC levels only initially; this effect declined over the test period for blocks at 30% MC or greater. In comparing the effect on MITC levels of applying the NaMDC in powder or pellet form, no significant difference between the two application methods emerged.

References

Elson, J. E. 1966. Fungitoxicity of sodium n-methyl-dithiocarbamate (Vapam) and its decomposition products. M.A. thesis, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. 35 pp.nMiller, D. B., and J. J. Morrell. 1989. Stability and methylisothiocyanate production of 12 potential solid fumigants for controlling wood decay. Holzforschung 43:191-194.nMorrell, J. J., and M. E. Corden. 1986. Controlling wood deterioration with fumigants: A review. Forest Prod. J. 36(10):26-34.nMorrell, J. J., A. R. Zahora, M. E. Corden, and M. A. Newbill. 1990. Performance of gelatin-encapsulated methylisothiocyanate in Douglas-fir poles. Forest Prod. J. 40(7/8):37-40.nSexton, C. M., J. J. Morrell. and M. A. Newbill. 1991. Controlling decay fungi in Douglas-fir heartwood with pelletized sodium n-methyldithiocarbamate. Wood Fiber Sci. 23(4):590-596.nZahora, A. R., and J. J. Morrell. 1989a. Diffusion and sorption of the fumigant methylisothiocyanate in Douglas-fir wood. Wood Fiber Sci. 21(1):55-66.nZahora, A. R., and J. J. Morrell. 1989b. The influence of wood moisture content on fungitoxicity of methylisothiocyanate in Douglas-fir heartwood. Wood Fiber Sci. 21(4):343-353.n

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Published

2007-06-28

Issue

Number 1 / January 1993

Section

Research Contributions

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