Effect of storage conditions of spruce wooden pallets on the development of blue stain fungus (Ophiostoma piceae)

In this study, the effect of storage conditions of spruce wooden pallets used in petrochemical companies in Mahshahr on the development of blue stain fungus (Ophiostoma piceae) was studied. The effects of storage temperature at three levels of 20, 30 and 40 °C, two levels of relative humidity 55 and 75% and also ventilation and stickering were examined. Ventilation was carried out twice a day for 1 hour. The average moisture content of the wooden pallets ranged from 25 to 31 percent and the samples were prepared from four areas of the pallet, including top board, bottom board, stringer board and blocks. Results indicated the significant effect of each storage condition. A reduction in relative humidity, ventilation in the storage and stickering reduced the blue stain intensity. An increase in temperature from 20 ◦C to 30 ◦C resulted in a significant reduction in blue stain but no significant difference was observed between the temperatures of 30◦C and 40◦C. Overall, it can be concluded that the blue stain fungus (Ophiostoma piceae) development can be avoided by the control of relative humidity, temperature, ventilation or stickering.