Controlling Decay Fungi in Douglas-Fir Heartwood with Pelletized Sodium N-Methyldithiocarbamate

A small block test was used in assessing whether pelletized sodium n-methyldithiocarbamate (NaMDC) would decompose and produce methylisothiocyanate (MITC) and thereby eliminate Antrodia carbonica colonies from Douglas-fir heartwood. Also evaluated were the effects of wood moisture content, dosage, incubation period, pH level, and presence of copper sulfate on percentage of kill of the fungus and amount of MITC in the wood. Increasing moisture content produced the most dramatic increases in MITC production and fungal control. The effects of pH and the presence of copper ions were more variable. The results indicate that pelletized NaMDC can effectively control fungal infestations in Douglas-fir heartwood. Field studies are planned