El. Schmidt et al., Sulfuryl fluoride and methyl bromide fumigation of hardwood logs of various ages for control of lumber graystain, FOREST PROD, 48(11-12), 1998, pp. 77-80
Fumigation of fresh sugar hackberry and red oak logs with either methyl bro
mide or sulfuryl fluoride successfully controlled enzyme-mediated sapstain
(graystain) in lumber. Water-stored logs have greater propensity for stain
and potentially higher moisture levels that might prevent effective fumigat
ion. This study tested stain control by fumigation of logs stored for 2 or
4 weeks. After 2 weeks under a sprinkler, methyl bromide was less effective
in stain prevention than sulfuryl fluoride. Although effectiveness of sulf
uryl fluoride decreased for logs water-stored for 4 weeks, approximately 80
percent of oak lumber pieces were free of any graystain, while 73 percent
of boards cut from control logs from the same tree had moderate to severe s
tain.