Bioincising of Norway spruce wood using wood inhabiting fungi

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is one of the most important wood species in Europe. Its wood is frequently used for commercial applications. More extensive use is limited due to insufficient durability and low permeability. Particularly heartwood is difficult to impregnate. The aim of this preliminary study was to use wood inhabiting fungi for pre-treatment of spruce wood prior to impregnation. Therefore Norway spruce wood specimens (2.0 x 2.0 x 5.0 cm) with end sealed axial surfaces were exposed to one brown rot (Antrodia vaillantii) one white rot (Hypoxylon fragiforme) and one blue stain fungus (Sclerophoma pithyophila) for periods between 14 and 60 days. Afterward mass loss, compression strength, uptake of preservative solutions and retention were determined. The results showed that fungal pre-treatment increased the uptakes of preservative solutions. Among tested fungi, H. fragiforme was found particularly effective. The highest loadings were determined after 30 days of exposure. However, prolonged pretreatment periods did not improve the impregnability of the specimens but resulted in more prominent losses of mechanical properties. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.