Reduction the mechanical properties of oakwood under the influence of epyxilous fungus

Abstract

Within the scope of field research on diagnostics of harmful organisms in Serbia in the year 2015, in the area of Forest Estate Boljevac, the presence of epixylous fungus Coniophora puteana (Schumm. ex Fr.) Karst was found on dead oak trees following the ice break. In order to give a more accurate forecast of prospective spread of the pathogen, i.e. determine the speed of the process, the laboratory of the Institute for Forestry conducted the testing of the rate of reduction of the oak tree modulus of elasticity after 2, 4 and 6 months of exposure to the fungus. Testing samples were collected from the medulla of healthy oak trees, from the association of Quercetum montanum. Over the periods of 2, 4 and 6 months the wood samples were exposed to influence of the mycelia of the fungus Coniophora puteana (Schumm. ex Fr.) Karst. After 2, 4 and 6 months under the effect of the fungus, the static modulus of elasticity of oak wood substantially decreased compared to the initial value (100%) and amounted to 61.07%, 60.61% and 51.38% respectively. The regression line obtained through data processing opened the possibility to prognosticate the changes of wood properties in certain time periods of the effect of the fungus under the unchanged external conditions, which is significant for practical purposes in terms of taking protective measures and wood usability.