We ran two field experiments in summer 2000 to test the feasibility of using two biocontrol agents to protect logs from being stained by wild-type bluestain fungi. Both Cartapip and Gliocladium roseum showed promise to control stain in freshly felled logs for the critical first 12 weeks of storage.
Results show that:
Cartapip applied at the recommended concentration significantly reduced the amount of stain in the Alberta trials.
Cartapip concentration at 1/3 of the recommended concentration resulted in stain that was not significantly different from that in the control logs.
Tim-Bor and the integrated control with G. roseum also significantly reduced stain but less than did Cartapip applied at the recommended level.
In the B.C. trials the stain prevention effect of Cartapip appeared to be stronger in discs that had large sapwood areas (available areas). However, no treatment effects were found to be statistically significant.
We need to repeat the experiment at least once as consistency must be demonstrated before the biocontrol agent can be used industrially. In our next field studies, we will concentrate on Cartapip. Additional studies could look into optimizing the formula and use of product by testing different concentrations of biocontrol agents, adjuvants (spreaders and stickers), and ways of timing application.