Effect of Distance Above the Ground on Fungal Colonization of Hardwood Ties During Air-Seasoning: Preliminary Results

摘要

This study compared decay fungi in air-seasoning railroad ties before treatment from stacks with different sized footings. It is our intention to relate changes in decay fungi relative to height above ground for air-seasoning wood. Sampling of gum railroad ties from the Koppers plant in Guthrie, Kentucky, in June and September of 2017, showed that the incidence of decay fungi increased over time with little or no difference attributed to distance of stacks above the ground. At this time, there are nosignificant differences in incidence of decay fungi between heights, but one additional sampling is underway. This is part of a two-year assessment of decay fungi in air-seasoning red oak and black gum railroad ties before preservative treatment.