Decay resistance of port-orford-cedar

The decay resistance of Port-Orford-cedar heartwood was evaluated by soil-block testing according to ASTM Standard D 2017-63. Cedar blocks 1. 9 cm square were exposed to Poria placenta (Fr. ) Cook, Gloeophyllum trabeum Murr. , Lentinus lepideus Fr. , or Coriolus versicolor (L. ) Quel. Although Poria placenta caused fairly high weight losses (20%), the remaining fungi caused minimal damage, an indication that Port-Orford-cedar heartwood has moderate to high resistance to decay. With this trait, this species should provide reasonable service aboveground. Although no previous reports exist that describe controlled decay tests for this species, timber currently being harvested still appears to exhibit moderate decay resistance