BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT97-3689 - Sustainable wood / new clean technology methods for the control of fungal stains in wood

FAIR-CT97-3689
Sustainable wood / new clean technology methods for the control of fungal stains in wood

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Biotechnology : FAIR Area 1.3 - Forestry-Wood Chain : Integrated Crop Protection & Biological Control : Solid Wood Products : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT97-3689
	Total Cost	1,002,000 ECU
	EC Contribution	580,000
	Start Date	01/09/1998
	Duration	36 months

Sustainable wood / new clean technology methods for the control of fungal stains in wood

Objectives

Forest product industry has an important role in the European economy due to efficient exploitation of raw material resources, employment and rural development. The use of wood as building, furniture and package material is based on its advantageous ecological, technical and aesthetic properties. Deterioration of wood is, however, caused by the action of microorganisms, causing both rotting and discoloration of wood products during production and service. The discoloration of timber by staining fungi is a severe problem resulting in significant economical losses. Use of environmentally harmful chlorophenols can prevent the discoloration. Targeted biological and novel clean technology chemical methods offer new types of techniques to protect wooden material against fungal deterioration. These methods could be applied either to prevent fungal growth and pigment formation or to decolor stains in wooden material.

Technical Approach

This project aims to gather high-level technical and scientific expertise and industry working in the field of anti-sapstain products to elaborate novel solutions for the wood protection and remedial treatments against staining fungi. The main objectives of the project are to clarify the fundamental key factors affecting fungal colonisation and pigment formation and to exploit the biochemical data obtained in order to design new, targeted and environmentally safe biological and chemical prevention concepts. Economic and technical feasibility studies of novel clean technology treatments will be performed in order to evaluate the marketing potential.

Molds on timber (wet rot)

Blue stain on timber

Contacts

Coordinator

Liisa VIIKARI / VTT Biotechnology and Food Research FINLAND

EC Scientific Officer

Alexandros ARABATZIS / European Commission DG Research Theme 1 Key Action 5.3 / BELGIUM

Participant